Which root operation would NOT be specified in the third-character position?

The root operation "Application" is categorized differently from the others mentioned. In ICD-10-PCS, the third character is reserved for specifying root operations that involve direct actions performed on the body, such as surgical interventions (Control, Resection, and Placement). However, "Application" refers to methods that do not involve a direct surgical approach; instead, it typically involves applying something to a body part without altering the structure.

This characteristic distinguishes "Application" from operations like "Control," which involves stopping or preventing bleeding in a specific area, "Resection," which is the cutting away of a body part, and "Placement," which entails putting in a device. Those operations are straightforwardly assigned to the third-character position due to their surgical nature. Understanding this classification helps in accurately coding procedures within the ICD-10-PCS system.