What is CPT code 99214?

Asked by: Mrs. Lera Abshire II  |  Last update: February 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)

According to CPT, 99214 is indicated for an “office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: a detailed history, a detailed examination and medical decision making of moderate complexity.” [For more detailed ...

What's the difference between 99213 and 99214?

The primary difference between CPT code 99213 and 99214 lies in the complexity and time involved. While 99213 is for a low level of medical decision-making, 99214 is used for moderate complexity, requiring a higher level of medical decision-making and more extensive history and examination.

What is the difference between 99213 and 99214 optometry?

For a 99213 office visit, six to eight elements are required for the exam component; for a 99214 visit, nine elements are required. Both 99211 and 99215 account for less then 2% of total office visits in eye care for established patients. This is representative of what I see in our office.

How many times a year can you bill 99214?

If a physician performs more than two high complex visits (99214 or 99215) in a year the MCO has the responsibility to reduce the reimbursement to the payment rate for CPT 99213, without changing the CPT code or asking the physician to change the CPT code.

What are the rules for billing 99214?

Here are the key guidelines for accurate usage of billing code 99214:
  • Medical Necessity. ...
  • Present Illness Documentation. ...
  • Chief Complaint. ...
  • Review Symptoms. ...
  • Detailed Physical Exam. ...
  • Past, Family and Social History. ...
  • In-depth History. ...
  • Medical Decision Making.

What is a level 4 office / outpatient visit in medical coding? 99214 & 99204 explained.

42 related questions found

Can a doctor bill me 4 years later?

In most states, the statute of limitations to collect on unpaid medical bills is between three and six years.

Is 99214 an outpatient code?

CPT® code 99214: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes. As the authority on the CPT® code set, the AMA is providing the top-searched codes to help remove obstacles and burdens that interfere with patient care.

What does CPT stand for?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes offer doctors and health care professionals a uniform language for coding medical services and procedures to streamline reporting, increase accuracy and efficiency.

What level of care is 99214?

CPT defines a 99214 or level-IV established patient visit as one involving a detailed history, detailed examination and medical decision making of moderate complexity.

Does Medicare cover 99214?

The current reimbursements for code 99214 at two of the most popular programs are: Medicare: $126.07. Medicaid: $68.97.

What is a full eye exam?

A comprehensive adult eye examination includes: Patient and family health history. Visual acuity measurement. Preliminary tests of visual function and eye health, including depth perception, color vision, peripheral (side) vision and the response of the pupils to light.

What is 99213 used for?

CPT® code 99213: Established patient office visit, 20-29 minutes | American Medical Association.

When not to use modifier 25?

Modifier 25 should not be used when: ❌ The sole purpose of the encounter is for the procedure (e.g., lesion removal), and there is no documented medical necessity for a separate E/M service.

What is a level 3 doctor visit?

Level-III visits are considered to have a low level of risk. Patient encounters that involve two or more self-limited problems, one stable chronic illness or an acute uncomplicated illness would qualify.

What is required to bill 99214?

According to CPT, 99214 is indicated for an “office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: a detailed history, a detailed examination and medical decision making of moderate complexity.” [For more detailed ...

What is considered an office visit?

An office visit is any direct personal exchange between an ambulatory patient and a physician or members of their staff for the purpose of seeking care and rendering health services.

How to justify 99214?

CPT code 99214 should only be used if the patient's medical record documentation supports the criteria for a level 4 visit, including history, examination, and medical decision-making. If the patient's documentation does not meet these criteria, the medical coder should not use CPT code 99214.

How many minutes is a 99214 visit?

Providers must spend between 30 and 39 minutes with the patient, including face-to-face time, counseling, and coordination of care, to meet the time-based requirements for CPT 99214.

How much does Medicare reimburse for an office visit?

Beyond that, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of medically necessary doctor visits. The individual must pay 20% to the doctor or service provider as coinsurance. The Part B deductible also applies, which is $257 in 2025.

What is the payment you make each time you visit the doctor claim?

A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible. The maximum amount a plan will pay for a covered health care service. May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.”

How far back can a doctor's office bill you?

“It's normally within three to six years,” Gross explains. “[But] even after that time, the hospital can still try to collect.” These time frames are called medical billing time limits, which is how long it's allowed to take to submit a claim to the payer—whether that's you or your insurance.

How to pay for surgery without insurance?

How to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won't Pay
  1. Review Costs.
  2. Talk to Billing.
  3. Lower Fees.
  4. Ask Questions.
  5. Borrow From Retirement.
  6. Use Your Savings.
  7. Use Home Equity.
  8. Take Out Unsecured Loans.

Who gets the insurance check for my medical bills?

Settlement Process: If an insurance claim is accepted, the settlement check is typically issued to the victim. However, the victim is responsible for providing the hospital with insurance information and paying off medical bills, even though the settlement check may be made out to both the victim and the hospital.