The Global OB Package, explained
The global obstetric package bundles routine maternity care into a single code. Knowing exactly what falls inside that fee, and what you can bill separately, is where OB practices win or lose revenue. Here is the line.
Scenarios that break the package
Global maternity care applies, with additional delivery components. Report the delivery-only code for the second twin per payer rules rather than a second full global package.
When you provide only antepartum care and do not perform the delivery, bill 59425 for 4 to 6 visits or 59426 for 7 or more visits instead of the global code. The delivering practice bills the delivery and postpartum components.
When no single practice provides all three phases, bill each component separately: antepartum, delivery, and postpartum care each carry their own code.
The delivery code family
Three global codes cover the full package depending on delivery route, and each has delivery-only and delivery-plus-postpartum siblings for when the package splits:
| Code | Covers |
|---|---|
| 59400 | Global package, vaginal delivery |
| 59409 | Vaginal delivery only |
| 59410 | Vaginal delivery + postpartum care |
| 59425 | Antepartum care only, 4–6 visits |
| 59426 | Antepartum care only, 7+ visits |
| 59510 | Global package, cesarean delivery |
| 59610 | Global package, VBAC |
Package composition follows current ACOG maternity care coding guidance and payer policy. When a high-risk patient is referred out mid-pregnancy, the referring practice moves from the global fee to antepartum-only billing, the economics both sides should price in. Co-management keeps the global package with the primary practice while the consulting specialist bills separately.
Educational reference only. Not billing, legal, or medical advice. Confirm all codes, modifiers, and rates against current payer policy before submitting claims.