AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How is "medical necessity" characterized in coding?
• What is the appropriate CPT code for exchanging an external fixation strut in a patient with limb length discrepancies?
• What is the term used for the divider between the heart chamber walls?
• What coding system is primarily used for outpatient services?
• What part of the cardiovascular system is responsible for the one-way flow of blood through the chambers of the heart?
• What ICD-10-CM code should be reported for elevated blood sugar?
• In coding terms, what does "bundling" refer to?
• What ICD-10-CM code is reported for a non-union of the scaphoid bone in the wrist?
• How many main sections are found in the CPT manual?
• Which coding guideline is key for reducing claim denials?
• Which of the following is an outcome of accurate medical coding?
• What role do operative reports play in coding?
• How does accurate coding impact healthcare providers financially?
• For a natural killer (NK) cell total count in a patient with AIDS, what CPT code is reported?
• Which component is critical in ensuring coding compliance?
• Which term describes the technologic advances in medicine incorporated into the CPT manual?
• What is the default code for coronary artery atherosclerosis?
• What is the code for a secondary neoplasm of the descending colon?
• Which punctuation mark between codes in the index of the CPT manual indicates two codes are available?
• What ICD-10-CM code is appropriate for an abnormal cervical Pap smear?
• Which of the following best explains the term "history" in E/M coding?
• In determining level of service, what role does the 'exam' portion play?
• When a patient undergoes tests and the results return normal, what type of service is provided?
• How should the coding process be influenced by medical necessity?
• Which CPT appendix contains additions, deletions, and revisions?
• What should be reported if a patient experiences an adverse effect from a medication?
• What modifier is required for Medicare claims for tests performed at a site with a CLIA Waived certificate?
• What is the appropriate code for gross and microscopic examination of breast tissue following a simple mastectomy?
• A list of the unlisted procedures for use in a specific section of the CPT manual is contained in:
• In what instance would you use a 51 modifier?
• Who requires a special report with the use of unlisted codes?
• What is generally required for outpatient coding?
• What is the correct action if a procedure performed is not listed in the CPT codebook?
• Where is the hypertension table located in ICD-10-CM?
• What is the importance of modifiers in coding?
• If a patient uses insulin, what does that indicate about their diabetes type?
• What does the term "global period" mean in surgical coding?
• Why is using coding guidelines important in the medical coding process?
• What is an example of an adverse effect?
• What does the term "in vivo" signify?
• Why is accurate coding essential in medical billing?
• What is the significance of appendix B in the CPT manual?
• How frequently does AAPC recommend that coders update their skills and knowledge?
• When coding for an established patient, what is an essential element to consider?
• What advantage does coding software provide?
• What role does the American Medical Association (AMA) play concerning the CPT code set?
• What does the 7th character "A" indicate in Chapter 19 codes?
• What is the relationship between prior authorization and coding?
• CPT Category III codes are reimbursable at what level of reimbursement?
• What is one of the main goals of medical coding?
• What is the difference between a primary diagnosis and a secondary diagnosis?
• What defines unlisted procedure codes in the CPT?
• What does "time" include when determining the level of service for E/M coding?
• Where can specific coding information about each section of the CPT manual be found?
• When is it appropriate to report a code for type 2 diabetes mellitus?
• Which general principle should guide coders when selecting codes?
• What is the primary purpose of auditing in medical coding?
• Which term describes a surgical procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery?
• What is the aim of clinical documentation improvement (CDI)?
• In which circumstance would you report an external cause code?
• Which level of service code typically indicates a more complex patient evaluation?
• What is a common symptom of peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
• What is the medical term for the condition of an enlarged heart?
• What are "unlisted codes" in CPT?
• Which CPT code is associated with the closure of a surgical wound in layers?
• How is the most appropriate code for a procedure determined?
• What condition is referred to as enlargement of the heart?
• Which type of coding software feature helps prevent coding errors?
• Which statement best describes "medical decision making" in the context of patient evaluation?
• In which CPT appendix would modifiers be found?
• When coding a procedure, what should be prioritized?
• What information is needed in order to accurately code hypertension retinopathy in ICD-10-CM?
• What is the primary purpose of the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam?
• What is the external cause code for a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident that hit a guardrail?
• For a patient with a rotator cuff tear, which procedure is typically aimed at repairing that condition?
• When is coding for an external cause essential?
• What does the abbreviation CKD stand for?
• What type of codes are identified by the letter "C" in the coding system?
• What term describes an examination done in a living organism as opposed to in vitro?
• What ICD-10-CM code is reported for an excessive level of alcohol in the blood?
• Which main coronary artery bifurcates into two smaller arteries?
• What does "medical necessity" refer to in the context of E/M coding?
• What information is required to accurately code PVD due to diabetes in ICD-10-CM?
• Which type of hypertension is characterized by consistently high blood pressure with no identifiable cause?
• Which of the following represents three of the six elements that a special report must contain?
• How many days does it take for CMS to implement HCPCS Level II Temporary Codes reported as added, changed, or deleted?
• What does the term "bundled payment" refer to in healthcare?
• What does the acronym HCPCS stand for?
• Which organization oversees coding claims in the United States?
• What type of services are reported in the Reproductive Medicine Procedures section of the Pathology and Laboratory chapter of CPT?
• In E/M coding, what is the significance of the 'presenting problem'?
• What ICD-10-CM code is reported for spontaneous pneumothorax?
• What is the purpose of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)?
• What are CPT Category II codes used for?
• How many digits are typically found in a Level I CPT code?
• Which modifier indicates that a service was performed on the left side of the body?
• According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines, how should anemia due to malignancy be reported?
• Which statement is true regarding codes for hypertension and heart disease in ICD-10-CM?
• Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the left side of the heart?
• Which of the following correctly defines coronary artery disease?
• In which section of the CPT manual would you find codes for surgical procedures?
• What benefits does proper auditing provide in medical coding?
• What is the default type of diabetes mellitus when the type is not documented in the medical notes?
• What is the second division in the CPT coding system?
• In which chapter would you find information related to diseases of the integumentary system in ICD-10?
• What is the correct HCPCS Level II code for a pre-molded removable metatarsal foot arch support?
• How does "risk adjustment" influence coding?
• Why is accurate coding essential in healthcare?
• Which statement is TRUE regarding the Instruction for use of the CPT codebook?
• Which character in a code signifies a subsequent encounter in Chapter 19?
• What is the ICD-10-CM code for the first episode of an acute myocardial infarction?
• Which coding guideline should a coder follow when multiple services are performed?
• What is the main purpose of the CPT codebook?
• Which section of the CPT codebook would you reference for surgical procedures?
• What does the root word cool/o stand for?
• What does the abbreviation CKD stand for?
• What is a potential outcome of accurate E/M coding?
• When should an "add-on code" be used in coding?
• What is another term for hives?
• What structure serves as the main pump in the cardiovascular system?
• Into how many sections is the CPT manual divided?
• In medical coding, what does the term "stand alone" refer to?
• What is defined as a request for payment from a payer for healthcare services rendered?
• What does the acronym MRSA stand for?
• What does CPT stand for?
• Which section of the CPT manual includes Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes?
• Which substance is typically found in the blood if a person has or previously had an infecting virus?
• Which is the correct code for an acute respiratory failure that occurred after admission?
• In the case of a 28-year-old male found unconscious after taking a large amount of LSD, what ICD-10-CM codes are reported?
• What does "NCCI" stand for in coding?
• What does a higher "level of service" code usually indicate?
• What is the purpose of the CPT code set?
• If a Pap smear is reported as "negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy," what type of results reporting does this illustrate?
• What anatomical feature separates the two sides of the heart?
• How many layers of tissue does an artery have?
• A patient admitted three weeks after a normal vaginal delivery with a postpartum breast abscess should be reported with which ICD-10 code?
• In ICD-10-CM, codes for diseases and disorders of the nails are found in which chapter?
• In medical billing, why is accurate coding critical?
• What is the first division in the CPT coding system?
• What CPT code is reported for a total T-cell count in a patient with AIDS?
• The words that follow a code number in the CPT manual are called:
• Which character represents a new problem being treated in Chapter 19?
• Which statement is TRUE regarding the reporting of burn codes?
• In coding, what is generally required for an add-on code?
• What does the term "modifiers" refer to in medical coding?
• How are codes organized in the ICD-10-CM manual?
• What documentation is essential for a coder to determine coding for a surgical procedure?
• What is the role of third-party payers in relation to coding?
• What is the CPT code associated with the excision of a suspicious skin lesion?
• Which of the following is a key factor in coding for new patients in E/M services?
• What is the largest single mass of lymphatic tissue in the body?
• What does the abbreviation OPPS stand for in the context of coding?
• Which of the following is NOT a coding guideline in the CPT codebook?
• What is the primary function of the CPT coding system?
• Which information is typically found in a patient’s medical record that aids in coding?
• What does the acronym "DRG" stand for in medical coding?
• Bile empties into the duodenum through what structure?
• When are special reports typically required?
• Which of the following is not a function of the skin?
• What is the purpose of reporting CPT Category II codes?
• Which division is considered the fourth section in the CPT coding system?
• The conduction system contains pacemaker cells, nodes, the ____, and the _____.
• What is the correct CPT code for diagnostic arthroscopy of the shoulder with acromioplasty?
• What does the acronym ICD stand for?
• What is a "diagnosis code"?
• What is a major difference between ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS?
• What is the procedure called for the repair of a coronary vessel?
• Which condition is characterized by the presence of plaque in the arteries?
• A code that has all the words that describe the code following it is called what type of code?
• What is the purpose of angioplasty?
• What role do modifiers play in coding?
• What does "CPT" stand for in the context of medical coding?
• What are "codes" in the context of medical billing?
• What do category II codes in the CPT codebook represent?
• Why is documentation crucial in E/M coding?
• Which coding system is used to report inpatient services?
• Why is the correct use of codes vital for healthcare providers?
• In E/M coding, which factor is most critical in determining the level of service?
• What is the first step a coder should take when coding for a procedure?
• Which category in the CPT codebook includes codes for evaluation and management services?
• Which components are included in an E/M code?
• What do "level of service" codes indicate in E/M coding?
• What ICD-10-CM code is assigned when a patient's blood test for HIV is inconclusive?
• What is the primary purpose of modifiers in the CPT coding system?
• If a patient is undergoing an initial replacement of a leaking dialysis catheter, which ICD-10-CM code is reported?
• When would a coder need to use an "unlisted" CPT code?
• When evaluating a patient for an E/M service, which of the following components is NOT typically considered?
• Which three components are considered when establishing relative value units?
• For a patient undergoing an acromial decompression with bursectomy, which CPT code is reported?
• What does the term "colp/o" refer to in medical terminology?
• In E/M coding, how is a "new patient" defined?
• Why is it crucial for coders to stay updated on regulatory changes?
• Can a coder use both CPT and HCPCS codes on a claim?
• Which of the following is a requirement for coding an external cause?
• Which punctuation mark between codes in the CPT manual indicates a range of codes is available?
• When should acute respiratory failure be coded as a secondary diagnosis?
• What is the identification method called when a virus is identified by observing growth patterns on cultured media?
• According to surgery guidelines, is surgical destruction part of a surgical procedure?
• In the case of a benign nevus with clear margins, which ICD-10-CM code is reported?
• What does the use of "bundled payments" aim to improve?
• What does the term 'cardio' refer to in medical terminology?