Some services that doctors provided include a global fee. A lump charge is included with these services that include all follow-up care. Many surgical procedures are global services. In-office procedures often have a global service as well. For example, an I&D of an abscess includes a global fee. You assume all of the normal care for an abscess when you I&D it. If you decided to see them daily, that is your choice, or if you decide to see them every 3 days, that is your choice. However, you only get paid once for it under normal circumstances. The follow-up visits are considered “global fee” visits and do not incur a separate charge unless complications arise or other conditions are treated.
Almost all procedures are global fee services. Each global service includes a limited, reasonable time-span: 0, 10, or 90 days. So, if an I&D patient returns after 14 days, but the global fee only included 10 days, you could decide to I&D it again and could charge for a separate I&D.
Medical Coding and Billing For Residents 