Office visit · CPT 99203

What is CPT code 99203?

New-patient office visit, low-to-moderate complexity.

By Justin Feldstein · Reviewed 2026-06-15

What it covers

Your first visit with a provider or practice for a fairly straightforward reason that still takes a bit of time and thought. New-patient visits cost more than follow-ups because the doctor is building your record from the ground up. This level reflects a real history, a more complete exam, and low-complexity decision-making, the kind of first visit where one main problem gets a careful look but nothing is high-stakes.

When you'd see it

Appears the first time you see a new doctor for a clear but uncomplicated issue, where they spend a solid chunk of time getting to know your situation.

Roughly what it costs

$150–$300 commonly billed

A ballpark on the billed amount. After insurance or a negotiated rate, what you owe is often far lower. Always compare against your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

What's usually billed with it

May appear with labs, an EKG (93000), or an X-ray if the new provider orders a basic workup; each rides on its own line.

99203 vs 99204

99204 signals a more detailed workup and meatier decision-making, so a relatively simple first visit should stay at 99203 rather than rise to 99204. See 99204 (new-patient, moderate complexity).

What to watch for

Confirm both that you were new to the practice and that the level fits. If the visit was short and centered on one easy issue, it's fair to ask why it wasn't billed lower.

Specific things to question

• Whether you were actually new to the practice within the last three years.
• Whether a moderately simple visit was billed up to 99204.
• Whether ordered tests are showing as separate charges (normal) versus duplicated.

How to check this charge on your own bill

Find 99203 on your itemized bill and match it against your EOB. Confirm it appears only once, that any bundled services aren't also billed separately, and that the amount matches what your insurer says it allowed. If something doesn't line up, that's a fair question for the billing office.