This article is from the Category of Code section in our Everyday Coding book. It provides definitions and tips for determining whether an office encounter is a new patient, established patient, or consult, and guidelines for reporting inpatient, observation, and emergency services. Quick reference charts and key points will help you to quickly and accurately select the category of code.

Start with this brief overview of new patients, established patients and consults. Code 99201 was deleted in 2021 and 99241 was deleted in 2023.