AMA CPT® Assistant - 2002 Issue 1 (January)
Category III Codes Update (January 2002)
January 2002 page 8 Coding Communication Category III Codes Update A new section of Category III (Emerging Technology) CPT codes and introductory notes has been added for CPT 2002. These codes are assigned an alphanumeric identifier with a letter in the last field. This section of codes is located in a separate section of CPT, following the Medicine section. Introductory language has been placed in this code section to explain the purpose of these codes. This new section of CPT contains a set of temporary codes for emerging technology, services, and procedures. Category III codes will allow data collection...
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Article Overview
This CPT coding update describes the Category III emerging technology section added to CPT 2002, including its purpose, placement in the code set, publication timing, review pathway, and general rules for how these temporary codes are managed over time. It is useful for coders, billing staff, compliance teams, and others who need to understand how this part of CPT is organized and how updates are communicated across release cycles.
Why This Topic Matters
Category III codes affect how emerging technologies and procedures are tracked in CPT, especially when codes are newly released or updated outside the main annual book cycle. Understanding the section’s structure and update process helps coding professionals recognize when new reporting options appear and how they relate to broader CPT editorial activity.
Article Sections
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January 2002 page 8
A coding communication notice introducing the Category III update and the broader context for the January 2002 release.
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Category III Codes Update
An overview of the Category III CPT section, its purpose for emerging technology, and the administrative process surrounding its publication and revision.
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Accepted for CPT 2003, effective January 1, 2002
A short list of newly accepted Category III items identified for later CPT publication and reporting effective with the stated date.
What You Will Learn
- How the Category III CPT section is organized within the code book
- Why Category III codes were created for emerging technology and research-related tracking
- How CPT editorial review and early-release updates are described for these codes
- How new Category III items are communicated for future CPT publication cycles
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding educators
- Compliance professionals
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
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