Need anyone’s insight regarding presenting problems. There was insight that I had received stating that a presenting problem that is less than 72 hours with a prescription being prescribed would be a 99202 instead of a 99203. Is this true? The following example I usually would level as a 99203 but I can also see this being a 99202 due to the plan of care being straightforward.

CC: Ear pain for 3 days
27 year old male, new patient presents with earache ongoing for 3 days. Ear does have slight drainage and tender to touch. Pt denies headache, nausea, cough, discomfort of eyes along with no discomfort of throat.

Medical History: Knee surgery 2007
Family: Mother heart disease, hypertension
Social: Occasional alcohol

Constitutional: 100 body temp
Pt looks state age, well groomed
Eyes: clear, bright,
ENMT: ear is tender, some drainage, mildly swollen, red.
Respiratory: breathing is well, no crackles, etc…
Integumentary: skin is warm to touch

Due to the drainage, tenderness and slight swelling of the ear will prescribe ofloxacin.
Go to emergency department if symptoms worsen