Which CPT code corresponds to established patient E/M re-exam Level 3 - low 20-29 minutes?

• A. 99214
• B. 99213
• C. 99212
• D. 99202

Answer: (B)

When choosing an established patient re-exam at a Level 3, the deciding factor is the time spent with the patient and the corresponding service level. A re-exam that takes around 20–29 minutes fits the Level 3 category for established patients, which in CPT terms corresponds to 99213. This reflects a mid-level service: enough history and examination to reassess the patient and adjust the plan, but not the higher complexity or longer duration that would push you to a higher code.

Short context helps: established-patient codes range in the 99212–99215 family, with longer times generally signaling higher levels of service. A shorter encounter (about 10–15 minutes) would align with 99212, while a longer, more involved visit would align with 99214 (or 99215 for even higher complexity). The new-patient code (99202) is not appropriate here because the patient is established, not new.

So for an established patient re-exam with a low-to-mid time frame of 20–29 minutes, 99213 best matches the level of service.