Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
TL;DR:
CPT code 99213 is used for a standard, established patient office visit.
Typical out-of-pocket costs range from $90 to $250, depending on your provider, insurance, and location.
🩺 What is CPT Code 99213?
- CPT Code: 99213
- Description: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient.
- Complexity Level: Low to moderate (15-29 minutes face-to-face with the patient).
- Typical Use: Routine check-ups, follow-up visits, minor acute issues (cold, rash, blood pressure follow-up).
💵 How Much Does CPT Code 99213 Cost?
Scenario |
Typical Price Range (USD) |
---|---|
Cash Pay (No Insurance) |
$90 – $180 |
Private Insurance (After Deductible) |
$30 – $90 |
Medicare Approved Amount |
~$92 |
Urgent Care / Walk-in Clinics |
$150 – $250 |
🔎 Pro Tip: Prices can vary wildly based on geography and clinic type.
An independent physician might charge $120, while a hospital-owned clinic could bill $250+ for the exact same service.
🏥 Why Does CPT 99213 Cost So Much at Hospitals?
- Facility Fees: Hospitals often tack on extra fees just for being a hospital.
- Administrative Overhead: More staff, more paperwork, more cost.
- Insurance Negotiations: Large systems negotiate different rates than independent practices.
If you’re paying out-of-pocket, call ahead and ask for a self-pay discount.
Many clinics will offer 20-40% off cash prices.
📊 Real Example: My Own CPT 99213 Bill
I once got slapped with a $220 bill for a simple blood pressure follow-up.
Here’s the breakdown:
Charge Item |
Billed Amount |
---|---|
CPT 99213 |
$180 |
Facility Fee |
$40 |
Insurance Paid |
-$100 |
My Cost |
$120 |
Had I known to ask for a cash pay rate, it would’ve been $95 flat.
🤔 When Should You Expect CPT 99213?
You’ll likely see CPT 99213 on your bill for:
- Follow-up appointments (chronic conditions, check-ups)
- Minor acute issues (cold, skin rash, mild infections)
- Medication management visits
- Basic mental health follow-ups (non-psychotherapy)
If your visit feels routine and doesn’t involve complex diagnostics, this is the code they’ll slap on your bill.
🔍 CPT 99213 vs. 99214: What’s the Difference?
CPT 99213 |
CPT 99214 |
|
---|---|---|
Complexity |
Low to Moderate |
Moderate |
Time Spent |
~15-29 minutes |
~30-39 minutes |
Typical Cost |
$90 – $180 |
$120 – $250 |
Use Case |
Routine follow-up |
More in-depth management |