AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) CPC Exam Practice Test

Page: 1 / 14
Total 100 questions
Question 1

A cardiologist attempted to perform a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of a totally occluded blood vessel. The surgeon stopped the procedure because of an anatomical problem creating risk for the patient and preventing performance of the catheterization.

What modifier is appended to the procedure code?



Answer : B

Modifier 53 is used to report a discontinued procedure. It indicates that a procedure was started but terminated due to the patient's well-being being at risk. In this scenario, the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was attempted but stopped because of an anatomical problem that created a risk for the patient, preventing the completion of the procedure. Reference: AMA's CPT Professional Edition, coding guidelines on the use of modifiers.


Question 2

A 67-year-old male presents with DJD and spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 The patient is placed prone on the operating table and, after induction of general anesthesia, the lower back is sterilely prepped and draped. One incision was made over L1-L5. This was confirmed with a probe under fluoroscopy. Laminectomies are done at vertebral segments L4 and L5 with facetectomies to relieve pressure to the nerve roots. Allograft was packed in the gutters from L1-L5 for a posterior arthrodesis. Pedicle screws were placed at L2, L3, and L4. The construct was copiously irrigated and muscle; fascia and skin were closed in layers.

Select the procedure codes for this scenario.



Answer : C

Laminectomy and Facetectomy (63047 and 63048): The laminectomies at L4 and L5 with facetectomies fall under CPT codes 63047 (for the initial segment) and 63048 (for each additional segment).

Posterior Arthrodesis (22612 and 22614 x 3): The posterior arthrodesis from L1-L5 is coded with 22612 for the primary segment (L4-L5) and 22614 for each additional segment (L1-L4).

Placement of Pedicle Screws (22842): The placement of pedicle screws at L2, L3, and L4 is captured under CPT code 22842 for segmental instrumentation.


AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year)

ICD-10-CM (current year)

HCPCS Level II (current year)

Question 3

A 44-year-old female patient with chest pains had a CT of her chest that identified a mass in her left lower lung. The patient currently has ovarian cancer with metastases to the liver. The radiologist suspects the cancer has spread to her lungs. The physician performed an outpatient bronchoscopic biopsy and the pathology report documents the mass as a tumor of uncertain behavior.

What ICD-10-CM codes are reported for this patient?



Answer : D

For a patient with a mass in the left lower lung suspected to be cancer that is currently documented as a tumor of uncertain behavior, with existing ovarian cancer with metastases to the liver, the ICD-10-CM codes are:

D38.1: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of bronchus and lung.

C56.9: Malignant neoplasm of unspecified ovary.

C78.7: Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct.

D38.1 is used because the behavior of the lung tumor is uncertain, and C56.9 and C78.7 are used to document the known primary and metastatic cancers.


ICD-10-CM guidelines

AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year)

Question 4

A patient is taken to the radiology department for a radiological cardiac catheterization. An acute MI of the left anterior descending coronary artery is found. The cardiologist performs a suction thrombectomy, followed by atherectomy and a stent to the artery. A CRNA provides MAC for this patient, who is status P5.

What code/modifier combination would you report for the services of the CRNA?



Answer : C

The patient is undergoing a cardiac catheterization with a CRNA providing monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Code 00520 is for anesthesia for heart catheterization procedures. Modifier QX indicates CRNA service with medical direction by a physician, QS indicates MAC, and P5 indicates a patient with a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. Thus, the correct code and modifier combination is 00520-QX-QS-P5. Reference: CPT Professional Edition (current year), AMA.


Question 5

A patient who has colon adenocarcinoma undergoes a laparoscopic partial colectomy. The surgeon removes the proximal colon and terminal ileum and reconnects the cut ends of the distal ileum and remaining colon.

What procedure and diagnosis codes are reported?



Answer : A

The procedure involves a laparoscopic partial colectomy where the surgeon removes the proximal colon and terminal ileum, then reconnects the cut ends of the distal ileum and remaining colon.

Procedure Description:

Laparoscopic partial colectomy.

Removal of the proximal colon and terminal ileum.

Anastomosis of the distal ileum and remaining colon.

CPT Coding:

44204: Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with anastomosis.

ICD-10-CM Coding:

C18.2: Malignant neoplasm of ascending colon.


AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year).

ICD-10-CM for corresponding diagnosis codes.

Question 6

The CPT code book provides full descriptions of medical procedures, although some descriptions require the use of a semicolon (;) to distinguish among closely related procedures.

What is the full description of CPT code 69644?



Answer : A

CPT code 69644 refers to a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy, which includes canalplasty, middle ear surgery, and tympanic membrane repair. The specific procedure described by this code is performed with an intact or reconstructed canal wall and includes ossicular chain reconstruction. The use of a semicolon in the CPT description helps distinguish between different variations of the procedure. Reference: AMA's CPT Professional Edition, specific code descriptions and guidelines.


Question 7

A 45-year-old has a dislocated patella in the left knee after a car accident. She taken to the hospital by EMS for surgical treatment. In the surgery suite, the patient is placed under general anesthesi

a. After being prepped and draped, the surgeon makes an incision above the knee joint in front of the patella. Dissection is carried through soft tissue and reaching the patella in attempt to reduce the dislocation. When the patella is exposed, it is severely damaged due to cartilage breakdown. The tendon is dissected and using a saw the entire patella is freed and removed. The tendon sheath is closed with sutures.

What procedure code is reported for this surgery?



Answer : D

CPT code 27566 involves excision of the patella. Given the surgical description provided, this code is appropriate as the patella was severely damaged and removed entirely.

Patient's Condition: Dislocated patella with cartilage breakdown and severe damage.

Surgical Procedure: The surgeon made an incision, dissected through soft tissue, exposed, and completely removed the patella.

Coding Decision: CPT 27566 is chosen because it specifies excision of the patella. The modifier LT indicates the procedure was performed on the left side.


AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year).

ICD-10-CM for corresponding diagnosis codes if needed.

Page:    1 / 14   
Total 100 questions