AAPC - American Academy of Professional Coders Musculoskeletal System Coding Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a displaced fracture of the distal radius.
The ED physician performs a closed treatment with manipulation and applies a short arm cast.
The patient is instructed to follow up with an orthopedist for continued care.
Which CPT® code and modifier combination should the ED physician report?

Accepted Answer

25605-54

Answer

25600 and an E/M code

Answer

29075 and an E/M code

Answer

25505-54

Question 2

According to CPT® guidelines, when a surgical arthroscopy is performed, which of the following procedures is typically considered an integral part of the service and is NOT reported separately for the same joint?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Answer

A partial meniscectomy in a different compartment

Answer

A major synovectomy

Answer

Abrasion arthroplasty

Question 3

A surgeon performs a posterolateral arthrodesis at a single level, L4-L5. An autograft is harvested from the iliac crest through a separate skin incision. Which CPT® codes correctly report the arthrodesis and the bone graft?

Accepted Answer

22612, 20937

Answer

22612 only

Answer

22614, 20936

Answer

22558, 20937

Question 4

A patient undergoes an open repair of a rotator cuff tear on the right shoulder and a diagnostic arthroscopy on the left knee during the same surgical session. Which modifier combination is most appropriate for the diagnostic knee arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

-59, -LT

Answer

-50

Answer

-51

Answer

-RT

Question 5

A patient undergoes a Keller-type bunionectomy on the right foot. During the same operative session, the surgeon also performs a correction of a hammertoe on the second digit of the same foot. Which CPT® codes and modifiers should be reported?

Accepted Answer

28292-RT, 28285-T6

Answer

28296-RT, 28285-51-T6

Answer

28299-RT

Answer

28292-RT only

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios allows for the separate reporting of a cast application CPT® code (e.g., 29000-29799)?

Accepted Answer

Application of a short leg cast for a severe ankle sprain when it is the only procedure performed.

Answer

Application of the first cast at the time of a closed fracture reduction.

Answer

Application of a splint for initial stabilization in the ED before definitive fracture care.

Answer

Application of a replacement cast during the 90-day global period by the same physician who performed the initial surgery.