Which reimbursement methodology can be applied to procedures with technical components and results in a lump-sum payment to be distributed among all involved physicians?

• A. Retrospective payment
• B. Global payment
• C. Block payment
• D. Capitated payment

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is a bundled approach to payment where one lump-sum amount is issued to cover an entire episode of care that includes both the technical aspects (facility, equipment, support services) and the professional services (physician work). In this setup, that single payment is then distributed among all physicians involved in the procedure, encouraging coordination and cost containment across the care team.

This fits because the hallmark of a global (or bundled) payment is a single payment for an episode that encompasses multiple components and providers, with the distribution of that payment among those providers according to an agreed-upon sharing arrangement.

Why the other options don’t fit as well: retrospective payment involves payment after services are delivered, often tied to actual costs or charges, not a predefined lump sum for an episode to be shared. Block payment is a fixed amount for a defined period or service mix, not specifically tied to a single procedure’s technical and professional components. Capitated payment is a per-member-per-month arrangement to cover a patient’s care over time, not a one-time lump sum for a single procedure distributed among involved physicians.