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99212

Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, typically 10 minutes

Code Description

CPT code 99212 is used for office or outpatient evaluation and management visits involving an established patient. This code typically represents straightforward medical decision making and approximately 10 minutes of total time spent on the date of the encounter.

Healthcare providers commonly use CPT 99212 for simple follow-up visits and minor medical concerns.

When to Use 99212

Common examples include:

routine follow-up visits
stable chronic conditions
medication checks
minor symptom evaluation

Documentation Requirements

medically appropriate history
medically appropriate examination
straightforward medical decision making
documented encounter time when applicable

Common Billing Mistakes

insufficient documentation
incorrect patient classification
undercoding or overcoding visit complexity

Related CPT Codes

99213- Established Patient Office Visit, 20 Minutes

99214- Established Patient Office Visit, 30 Minutes

99215- Established Patient Office Visit, 40 Minutes

FAQ

Is CPT 99212 for established patients?

Yes. CPT 99212 is used only for established patient visits.

What is the typical time for CPT 99212?

Typically 10 minutes.

What level of medical decision making is required?

Straightforward medical decision making.

Patient Type

Established Patient

Typical Time

MDM Level

10 Minutes

Straightforward