How are E/M codes primarily organized in the CPT manual?

E/M codes, or Evaluation and Management codes, are primarily organized in the CPT manual by setting and patient status, which makes option C the correct choice. This organization reflects the context in which patient care occurs. The setting includes various environments such as outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, which are essential because the level of service and the complexity of the visit can vary significantly based on where the service is provided.

Additionally, patient status takes into account whether the patient is new or established, as well as the complexity of the visit based on medical decision-making, the extent of the examination, and the history of the patient. This structuring allows healthcare providers and coders to appropriately document and bill for services rendered, ensuring that the codes reflect both the care setting and the nature of the patient encounter.

Other options, while they may consider relevant aspects of healthcare, do not encompass the primary organization of E/M codes in the CPT manual. For example, geographic location and facility type do not directly influence the coding structure of E/M services. Similarly, categorizing by patient age and medical history or by procedure type and complexity does not align with the specific framework used in the CPT manual for E/M coding.