Certified Coding Associate Exam Certified Coding Associate Classification 3

Question 1

In the ICD-10-PCS Medical and Surgical section, which character position represents the 'Root Operation'?

Accepted Answer

Character 3

Answer

In ICD-10-PCS Medical and Surgical section, character 3 represents the root operation (e.g., Excision, Repair, Fusion).

Question 2

What is the correct ICD-10-CM coding guideline when a patient has both an acute and a chronic condition?

Accepted Answer

Code both, sequencing the acute condition first

Answer

When both an acute and chronic form of a condition exist, ICD-10-CM guidelines instruct coding both with the acute condition sequenced first.

Question 3

HCPCS Level II codes are primarily used to report which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Supplies, durable medical equipment, and non-physician services not in CPT

Answer

HCPCS Level II codes cover items not described by CPT codes, including DME, ambulance services, drugs, and prosthetics.

Question 4

Which CPT code range covers Evaluation and Management (E/M) services?

Accepted Answer

99202–99499

Answer

E/M service codes in CPT are found in the range 99202–99499, covering office visits, hospital care, consultations, and other E/M categories.

Question 5

When a patient is admitted to the hospital and the working diagnosis changes by the time of discharge, the coder should:

Accepted Answer

Code the final confirmed diagnosis established at discharge as principal

Answer

Inpatient coding guidelines require coding the diagnosis confirmed at the time of discharge, not the working or admitting diagnosis.

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