I agree with Christine on all points. Each encounter has to be taken separately and leveled according to the documentation. We can't just say, okay every RCR follow up out of the global is a 3 or 2, etc. We would have to see the specific documentation to know 100%. I can see why providers might think 3 though, because in 95/97 they probably were. You could get 2/3 EPF/EPF/Low easily for that type ortho visit before.
While many orthopedic office visits end up being higher levels than prior to 2021, I have found there are a number, where if you were to code them both ways, it ends up lower according to 2021. This is probably one of those type. But, it makes sense. If it's the "You're doing great, come back PRN!" type. Like Christine said, resolved, surgery was a success, no issues, no data, risk is minimal to none.
There are many times RCR recovery is much more complicated and lengthy especially if it was a massive tear of more than one tendon/muscle, they did other work at the same time, the patient's age, they have co-morbid conditions, etc. Some patients are still in PT, on meds, and struggling at 6 months. That would be totally different.