Changes to the 2006 Category III Section--Part III (April 2006)

Why This Topic Matters

Category III codes are often used for emerging technologies and specialized services, so understanding which codes were introduced or discussed in this update helps with accurate code awareness, charge capture, and documentation review. The article also places these services in the context of CPT publication timing and related reporting considerations.

Article Sections

1. April 2006 pages 11-18

   Introductory material identifying the article as the third part of a broader review of 2006 Category III updates.

2. Cryosurgical Ablation

   Discussion of cryoablative technology and the new Category III code added for a breast-related procedure, with procedure background and coding notes.

3. Fistulization of Sclera for Glaucoma

   Overview of a glaucoma-related Category III code and supporting procedural context for a specialized eye surgery technique.

4. Conjunctival Incision With Juxtascleral Placement of Pharmacological Agent

   Background on a new code for a conjunctival incision and posterior placement of a pharmacological agent, including procedural context.

5. Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Measurement

   Discussion of a carotid ultrasound-based assessment service and its use in evaluating vascular disease risk.

6. Investigation of Food and Drug Administration-Approved Chronic Care Drugs

   Description of a pharmacist-led clinical investigation service for chronic care drugs and the type of reporting involved.

7. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

   Coverage of an endoscopic service involving implant material placement for a gastrointestinal indication, with procedure context.

8. Percutaneous Cryotherapy Renal Tumor Ablation

   Background on a renal tumor cryotherapy code, including the clinical setting and general procedural workflow.

9. Prostate Saturation Biopsies

   Discussion of prostate mapping biopsy sampling and its role in evaluating or managing prostate disease.

10. Exhaled Breath Condensate

    Overview of exhaled breath condensate pH measurement as a research-oriented respiratory assessment service.

11. Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation

    Summary of new pancreatic islet cell transplantation codes, related reporting guidance, and general transplant context.

12. Computer-Aided Detection

    Description of a computer-assisted chest radiograph detection service and its general purpose in imaging review.

13. Noninvasive Physiologic Study of Implanted Wireless Pressure Sensor

    Coverage of wireless physiologic sensor placement and follow-up physiologic study services associated with aneurysm repair.

14. Category III Code Information

    General information about when Category III CPT codes are released, published, and implemented.