99202
Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, typically 15 minutes
Code Description
CPT code 99202 is used for office or outpatient evaluation and management visits involving a new patient. This code is commonly reported for straightforward visits that require low complexity medical decision making and approximately 15 minutes of total time on the date of the encounter. Healthcare providers often use CPT 99202 when evaluating minor symptoms, reviewing limited medical information, and creating a basic treatment or care plan.
When to Use 99202
Use CPT 99202 for low-complexity new patient office visits that typically involve straightforward medical decision making and limited evaluation requirements.
Common examples include:
minor illness evaluation
uncomplicated medical concerns
basic medication review
simple outpatient assessments
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include:
medically appropriate history
medically appropriate examination
straightforward medical decision making
total encounter time when billing based on time
Common Billing Mistakes
Common billing mistakes for CPT 99202 include:
using 99202 for established patients
insufficient documentation
incorrect time documentation
billing higher complexity services incorrectly
Related CPT Codes
99203
Office or other outpatient visit for a new patient, typically 30 minutes.
99204
Office or other outpatient visit for a new patient, typically 45 minutes.
99205
Office or other outpatient visit for a new patient, typically 60 minutes.
FAQ
Is CPT 99202 for new or established patients?
CPT 99202 is used only for new patient office or outpatient visits.
What is the typical time for CPT 99202?
The typical total time for CPT 99202 is 15 minutes.
What level of medical decision making is required?
CPT 99202 requires straightforward medical decision making.
Can CPT 99202 be billed using time?
Yes. Providers may bill CPT 99202 based on total encounter time when properly documented.
Patient Type
New Patient
Typical Time
MDM Level
15 Minutes
Straightforward
