How many categories of CPT codes are listed in the CPT manual?

The CPT manual recognizes five categories of codes, which include:

1. Category I Codes: These codes are the most commonly used and represent procedures and services widely performed in the medical field.

2. Category II Codes: These are supplemental codes used for performance measurement and data collection to enhance healthcare quality.

3. Category III Codes: These temporary codes are used for emerging technologies, services, and procedures that may not yet have a permanent code.

4. Modifiers: While not a separate category, modifiers are added to CPT codes to provide additional information about the procedure performed.

5. Evaluation and Management Codes: These codes are specific to the assessment and management of patient care and might be viewed as a distinct subset within Category I.

Understanding these categories is essential as they help medical coders and billers accurately classify the services provided and ensure proper billing and reimbursement processes. Each category serves a different purpose within the healthcare billing and documentation framework, reflecting the complexity and diversity of medical services.