AAPC Nervous System Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When selecting the CPT code for repair of a lacerated peripheral nerve, the primary determinants are:
- Length of the repair and suture type
- The specific nerve involved and whether it is a primary or secondary repair (Correct answer)
- The number of sutures placed
- Whether general anesthesia was required
Correct answer: The specific nerve involved and whether it is a primary or secondary repair
CPT nerve repair codes are selected based on the specific nerve repaired and repair timing (primary/fresh vs. secondary/delayed or with grafting).
Question 2: Which statement correctly describes add-on codes used for additional spinal levels?
- They can be billed independently without a primary procedure code
- They represent additional work at extra levels and must accompany a primary procedure code (Correct answer)
- Modifier -51 is always appended to add-on codes
- They are used only when an assistant surgeon is present
Correct answer: They represent additional work at extra levels and must accompany a primary procedure code
Add-on codes (marked with '+') represent additional services performed with a primary procedure; they cannot be billed independently and are exempt from modifier -51.
Question 3: Nerve conduction studies performed on 3–4 nerves are reported with which CPT code?
- 95907
- 95908 (Correct answer)
- 95905
- 95910
Correct answer: 95908
CPT 95908 describes nerve conduction studies covering 3–4 studies (nerves tested), and is selected based on the total number of nerve studies performed.
Question 4: Destruction by neurolytic agent of a peripheral nerve branch not described by a more specific CPT code (such as the greater occipital nerve) is reported with:
- 64605
- 64640 (Correct answer)
- 64400
- 64633
Correct answer: 64640
CPT 64640 describes destruction by neurolytic agent of any other peripheral nerve or branch not covered by a more specific code.
Question 5: Creation of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is reported with which CPT code?
- 62225
- 62220
- 62223 (Correct answer)
- 62230
Correct answer: 62223
CPT 62223 describes creation of a shunt including ventriculoperitoneal (VP shunt), ventriculopleural, or ventriculoatrial configurations.
Question 6: Stereotactic brain biopsy performed using CT/MRI guidance WITHOUT a stereotactic frame is reported with:
- 61750
- 61751 (Correct answer)
- 61720
- 61510
Correct answer: 61751
CPT 61751 describes a stereotactic biopsy of the brain with CT and/or MRI guidance performed without a stereotactic frame (frameless navigation).
Question 7: Transforaminal epidural injection of a steroid at the cervical level (single level) with imaging guidance is reported with:
- 64490
- 64479 (Correct answer)
- 62321
- 64400
Correct answer: 64479
CPT 64479 describes injection of an anesthetic or steroid via transforaminal approach at the cervical or thoracic level, single level, with imaging guidance.
AAPC Nervous System Coding 2
When selecting the CPT code for repair of a lacerated peripheral nerve, the primary determinants are: