What does a Category 3 code in CPT signify?

A Category 3 code in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system signifies a temporary code that is used to represent emerging technology, services, and procedures that may not yet be widely performed or have gained universal acceptance. These codes are intended for data collection and tracking purposes, and they serve to provide a means of reporting and evaluating new and experimental techniques or practices. Since they are designated as temporary, they are not officially appended to the established CPT manual but rather are used within specific contexts until they can potentially be assigned a permanent classification through further evaluation and usage data collection. This flexibility helps the medical community adapt to innovations while ensuring a systematic approach to coding.