What is a unique feature of Category 3 codes compared to Categories 1 and 2?

Category 3 codes are specifically designed to capture emerging technologies, services, and procedures that may not yet have enough clinical evidence to warrant permanent Category 1 codes. These codes serve as a means of tracking and reporting new developments in medical technology and practice. Because they are temporary, they can be reassessed and potentially upgraded to permanent codes once they have gained more widespread acceptance and documented efficacy.

This characteristic is crucial for the adaptation of the coding system to advancements in healthcare, allowing physicians and providers to report on innovative treatments or procedures that are in the early stages of their use. As such, this temporary status reflects the experimental or evolving nature of the services described by Category 3 codes, making them distinct from the more established, permanent Category 1 and Category 2 codes.