What is the CPT Code for an Office Visit?

In medical billing, office visits are one of the most frequently coded services. Correctly assigning the CPT code for an office visit ensures accurate reimbursement and compliance with payer guidelines. Let’s break down what these codes mean and how they are used.

Understanding CPT Codes for Office Visits

The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for office visits fall under Evaluation and Management (E/M) services. These codes are divided into two main categories:

  • New patient office visits (99202–99205): Used when the patient is being seen by the provider for the first time.
  • Established patient office visits (99211–99215): Used when the patient has been seen previously by the same provider or group.

The choice of code depends on factors such as medical decision-making (MDM) complexity or the total time spent during the encounter.

Why Accurate Coding Matters

Accurate CPT coding is essential not only for proper reimbursement but also for reducing claim denials and ensuring compliance. Mistakes can lead to underpayments, audits, or revenue loss for practices.

If your team struggles with navigating the complexities of coding, our experts at EZ Settle Solutions can help streamline the process through tailored medical billing and coding services.

Connecting Office Visit Codes to Revenue Cycle

Since office visits make up a large portion of practice revenue, any errors can significantly impact your bottom line. Partnering with a professional team allows you to optimize your revenue cycle management in medical billing, ensuring claims are processed efficiently and payments are collected faster.

For specialty practices, such as those handling orthopedic medical billing, proper coding is even more critical to handle complex procedures alongside routine office visits. For official guidelines on CPT codes, visit the AMA CPT® Code Search Tool.

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Final Thought

The CPT code for an office visit depends on whether the patient is new or established and the complexity of the visit. By following coding guidelines and partnering with experts like EZ Settle Solutions, practices can minimize errors, maximize reimbursements, and maintain compliance.

 

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