What defines an "Unlisted Procedure" in the CPT manual?

An "Unlisted Procedure" in the CPT manual is defined as a procedure that is experimental, newly approved, or seldom used. This classification is important because it allows for the inclusion of procedures that may not yet have a specific code assigned to them but are still performed in clinical practice. This can apply to innovative techniques, new treatment modalities, or specialized interventions that have not gained widespread acceptance or recognition within the medical community.

When a procedure falls into this category, it indicates that it may not be commonly performed or may be in a trial phase, thus ensuring that coding practices remain flexible and accommodating to advancements in medicine. Practitioners can still bill for these procedures by using the unlisted procedure code, providing a means to capture new and evolving medical practices that improve patient care without being limited by outdated coding systems.

The other options describe different aspects of procedures but do not accurately define an unlisted procedure according to the criteria set forth in the CPT manual. For example, a procedure approved for general use typically has a specific code and is recognized as a standard intervention, while those of significant importance in patient care may have established codes assigned.