What type of care is often included in a bundled surgical package code?

A bundled surgical package code incorporates various components of care that are necessary for a surgical procedure, and this includes pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care. This comprehensive approach captures all essential services provided during the surgical episode, allowing for more straightforward billing and a holistic view of patient care.

Pre-operative care encompasses all activities leading up to the surgery, including evaluations, patient education, and any necessary imaging or lab tests. Intra-operative care refers to the surgical procedure itself and any immediate care provided during the operation. Post-operative care includes follow-up visits, management of surgical wounds, and any necessary recovery support.

By encompassing these three phases of care into a single bundled code, healthcare providers can streamline their documentation and billing processes while also aligning more closely with patient care pathways. This method helps in reducing costs and enhances the focus on patient outcomes by ensuring all related care is considered together.

In contrast, focusing solely on post-operative or intra-operative care would not reflect the full spectrum of services provided. Similarly, consultation services, while important, do not cover the entirety of what is typically included in a surgical bundle. Thus, the inclusion of all three care phases in the bundled surgical package code is essential for accurate representation of the surgical care process.