What is the difference between Category I, II, and III CPT codes?

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CPT codes are divided into three categoriesCategory I, II, and III—each serving a different purpose in medical coding and billing.

Category I: Standard Codes

  • These are the most common CPT codes used for reporting established medical procedures and services.

  • Organized into six sections: Evaluation & Management, Anesthesia, Surgery, Radiology, Pathology & Laboratory, and Medicine.

  • Each code is five numeric digits (e.g., 99213 for an office visit).

  • These codes are approved by the AMA and widely accepted by payers for billing and reimbursement.

Used for: Billing routine, medically necessary services
Example: 99214 – Established patient office visit, 25 minutes

Category II: Performance Measurement Codes

  • Optional tracking codes used for quality reporting and performance measurement.

  • Not used for billing or reimbursement.

  • Each code is five characters ending in "F" (e.g., 0005F).

  • Often used in value-based care and quality improvement initiatives.

Used for: Reporting data for quality initiatives
Example: 2028F – Blood pressure measured

Category III: Temporary/Emerging Technology Codes

  • For new, experimental, or emerging procedures/technologies not yet approved for widespread use.

  • Help track usage and gather data for possible Category I inclusion.

  • Each code is five characters ending in "T" (e.g., 0075T).

  • May or may not be reimbursed by payers.

Used for: New or investigational procedures
Example: 0648T – Automated AI-based diabetic retinopathy detection

Summary:

  • Category I = Standard, billable services

  • Category II = Quality tracking, not billable

  • Category III = Experimental, emerging procedures, limited billing

Read More

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