2018 CPT update: New autologous injections make 2018 Category III code list

Why This Topic Matters

Category III codes often signal emerging services that may affect documentation, reporting, and payer review. Understanding the scope of the new additions helps coding professionals assess whether updates are relevant to their workflow and to identify related code-set references mentioned by the AMA.

Article Sections

1. New CPT Category III codes for 2018

   Introduces the newly issued temporary technology codes scheduled for the 2018 CPT manual and summarizes the general procedure areas they cover.

2. Autologous injection and regenerative therapy updates

   Covers newly listed autologous and regenerative procedure codes and notes the associated code-set references mentioned alongside them.

3. Ablative laser treatment codes

   Summarizes new laser treatment codes for wound-related services and their placement in the Category III list.

4. Near-infrared spectroscopy studies

   Describes the new imaging-related Category III service included in the update.

5. General guidance on Category III codes and coverage

   Provides broad guidance on how Category III codes are treated, including the role of temporary codes and the need to confirm payer coverage.