Which set of codes is revised frequently to reflect changes in medical practice and technology?

Category III codes are specifically designated for emerging technologies, services, and procedures that are not yet widely accepted or have not yet been included in Category I codes. This category is revised frequently to keep pace with advancements in medical practice and technology. As innovations occur and new procedures are developed, these codes are updated to reflect the current state of practice, ensuring that healthcare providers can capture and report the latest treatments and diagnostic procedures.

In contrast, Category I codes represent the standard codes for procedures and services that are widely accepted and regularly used in medical practice. They are not revised as frequently, as they typically indicate established practices. Category II codes serve as supplementary tracking codes for performance measures and are used less for direct billing but more for quality measurement and reporting purposes. Modifier codes, which provide additional information about the service performed (like whether a procedure was altered in some way), do not change with the same frequency as Category III codes because they are used to modify the existing Category I codes rather than representing emerging practices.