What do the first two digits of a Category I CPT code represent?

The first two digits of a Category I CPT code indeed represent the section of the code, indicating the general area of medicine. This classification helps in organizing the vast array of medical procedures and services into distinct categories based on the field they belong to, such as surgery, radiology, or pathology. Each section encompasses related codes that make it easier for healthcare providers and insurers to identify the type of service being performed and streamline the billing and documentation processes.

For example, codes beginning with “99” often pertain to the Evaluation and Management section, while codes starting with “20” might relate to surgery. This structured format allows users of the CPT code set to quickly locate relevant codes associated with a particular specialty or type of service, improving the efficiency of coding practices and facilitating better communication among healthcare professionals.