Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

When can special tests be performed within the global surgical period?

1. Only if the patient requests them

2. Only if they are unrelated to the surgery

3. As deemed medically necessary

4. Only during follow-up visits

The correct answer is: As deemed medically necessary

Special tests can be performed within the global surgical period as deemed medically necessary, which means that if a physician determines that additional testing is essential for the patient's care or to assess the patient's condition effectively after surgery, those tests can be conducted without violating the global surgical period guidelines. The global surgical period encompasses a timeframe during which certain follow-up care and evaluations are considered part of the surgical procedure, but it allows for necessary interventions to ensure optimal outcomes for the patient. This option highlights the importance of clinical judgment in providing care. If a test is essential for managing the health of the patient or addressing complications that arise during the recovery, it is appropriate to conduct such tests regardless of the timing within the follow-up period. In contrast, the other options do not appropriately reflect the standard of care and clinical decision-making involved in determining the necessity of additional tests.