When are global payments typically made?

Global payments are typically made after the procedure is performed because this payment model reflects the all-inclusive nature of the services provided to a patient during a specific episode of care. In a global payment system, a single payment is made to cover all aspects of a patient's treatment—such as pre-operative visits, the procedure itself, and any necessary post-operative care—within a defined time period. This ensures that the healthcare providers are compensated for the entire continuum of care associated with that treatment, rather than being reimbursed for each individual service separately.

Making a payment after the procedure aligns with this comprehensive approach, as it allows for the evaluation of the total clinical services delivered, ensuring that all components are accounted for in the payment. This structure encourages cost-effectiveness and efficient service delivery, as providers must manage their resources within the fixed payment amount.

In contrast to the correct answer, the other options do not accurately represent the timing of global payments within the payment model. For example, payments made at the discretion of the healthcare provider or at the beginning of treatment do not follow the standard protocol associated with global payments, as they would not encompass the totality of care delivered. Similarly, payments made when a patient is admitted do not align with the concept of global payments since