What are CATEGORY III CPT Codes?

• A. Permanent codes for standard procedures
• B. Supplemental codes for performance measurement
• C. Temporary alphanumeric codes for new and developing technology, procedures
• D. Immunization codes

Answer: (C)

Category III CPT codes are temporary alphanumeric codes used to track new and developing technologies, procedures, and services. They are five characters long and end with the letter T to signal their temporary status. The purpose is to collect data on emerging practices before there is enough evidence or consensus to create a permanent Category I code. This helps providers, payers, and researchers assess adoption, safety, effectiveness, and utilization, and those codes may be converted to Category I if the service becomes established. By contrast, permanent, standard procedures fall under Category I, while codes specifically for performance measurement are Category II. Immunization-related coding is not categorized as Category III.