What is the primary purpose of Category II codes in the CPT system?

The primary purpose of Category II codes in the CPT system is to track performance measures. These codes are supplemental and intended for use in performance measurement initiatives, allowing healthcare providers to report on specific clinical actions to improve quality of care. Category II codes help collect data on how well healthcare providers are meeting evidence-based performance measures, contributing to enhancement in patient care and the overall quality of services provided.

This coding system is separate from Category I codes, which describe specific medical procedures and services, and Category III codes, which are used for emerging technologies and services. While documentation of surgery outcomes and billing guidelines may utilize different coding systems (primarily Category I codes for surgeries and other procedures), it is the Category II codes that focus specifically on tracking and improving healthcare performance metrics. Thus, the emphasis on performance measurement distinguishes Category II codes from those used for direct procedural documentation or billing purposes.