Final answer:
It is true that Medicare's guidelines for the major global surgical package include topical anesthetic or metacarpal and digital blocks. These services are part of the comprehensive care that is provided throughout the surgical procedure, which encompasses pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether Medicare's guidelines for the major global surgical package include the use of topical anesthetic or metacarpal and digital blocks. According to the American Medical Association and most Medicare carriers, the major global surgical package includes all necessary services normally furnished by a surgeon before, during, and after a procedure. This typically includes pre-operative visits after the decision for surgery is made, intra-operative services, post-operative care, supplies, and miscellaneous services such as local anesthesia and topical pain relief options like metacarpal and digital blocks. Therefore, it is true that Medicare's guidelines for the major global surgical package include topical anesthetic or metacarpal and digital blocks.
These services are included to ensure that the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional can provide the necessary care for the patient through all phases of surgery, including the administration of anesthesia, which can be confirmed during the pre-operative safety checks. These checks involve ensuring the patient's identity, the correctness of the surgical site and procedure, informed consent, an understanding of the patient's allergies, and that prophylactic antibiotics were administered when indicated.