What is the difference between 99213 and 99214?

Asked by: Miss Heidi Altenwerth  |  Last update: April 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)

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.

When should I use 99213?

CPT® code 99213: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 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 makes a visit a 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 constitutes a 99213 office visit?

The 99213 code is specifically used for office visits that involve moderate medical decision-making and complexity. It is suitable for patients with established conditions or those with new, uncomplicated symptoms. These services encompass a range of primary care services that address the immediate needs of patients.

How to decide 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.

Medical Coding 99213 vs 99214 - MDM Medical Decision Making Explained

25 related questions found

What qualifies as 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.

What is the billing rule for 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.

How much does insurance pay for a 99214?

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

Can 99213 be billed for telehealth?

These services should be billed using standard E/M codes. For example, a level 3 office visit provided to an established patient via telehealth should be billed using code 99213.

How many minutes is a 99214 visit?

CPT® code 99214: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes | American Medical Association.

What is the reason code 99214?

Typically, this code is used when the patient has a progressing illness or an acute injury that requires a moderate level of medical management, which could include adjustments to treatment plans or considering surgical options.

Does 99214 require dilation?

Therefore, some exam elements may not be performed. A detailed history and moderate decision making are appropriate for 99214. The physician should perform the exam elements based on medical necessity; often this includes dilation.

Does Medicare pay for 99213?

Medicare will pay a physician for an AWV service and a medically necessary service, e.g. a mid-level established office visit, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 99213, furnished during a single beneficiary encounter.

What is level 3 medical billing?

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 a modifier 55?

Description. Postoperative management only. Guidelines and Instructions. Use this modifier to indicate that payment for the postoperative, post-discharge care is split between two or more physicians where the physicians agree on the transfer of postoperative care.

What is the difference between 99213 and 99214 reimbursement?

Reimbursement Differences Between 99213 and 99214

99214 generally provides higher compensation due to the increased complexity of care. This code reflects more detailed patient evaluations and moderate medical decision-making. Thus, accurate documentation justifying the complexity is necessary.

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.

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.

How much does insurance reimburse for 99214?

As an established patient evaluation and management code, CPT code 99214 is reimbursed at a rate of $141.78 by Medicare. This reimbursement rate applies to services provided in an office or outpatient setting.

What documentation is needed for a 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.

What is code 99213 used for?

CPT Code 99213 Description:

Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least two of these three components to be present in the medical record: An expanded problem focused history. An expanded problem focused examination.

Does insurance pay for office visits?

What does health insurance cover? If a service is covered, it means your health plan will pay for some or all of the cost. Covered services typically include regular office visits with your doctor, tests, urgent and emergency care, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment and more.

What are the three types of visitors in an office?

Clients and Customers: Visitors who come to the office to meet with employees, discuss business proposals, or receive services. Suppliers and Vendors: Representatives from companies that provide goods or services to the organization. Job Applicants: Candidates who are attending job interviews or assessments.

What is the difference between an appointment and an office visit?

An appointment is something you do to make something in a certain timespan now or in the future to have a possible contact with the clinic or anyone in the Clinic. A Visit is a result of an appointment and can be anything that that client has to do in the clinic for any sort of car.