Certified Coding Associate Exam Certified Coding Associate Clinical 5

Question 1

A patient with hypertension and chronic kidney disease stage 4 is admitted. Per ICD-10-CM guidelines, how should these be coded?

Accepted Answer

I12.1 and N18.4

Answer

ICD-10-CM presumes a causal relationship between hypertension and CKD; I12.1 captures hypertensive CKD with stage 4 CKD, and N18.4 identifies the CKD stage.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct approach to code a wound closure performed with adhesive strips (Steri-Strips)?

Accepted Answer

Report only an E/M code — no separate repair code

Answer

Closure with adhesive strips alone does not warrant a separate CPT repair code; only the E/M service is reported.

Question 3

The health record states 'patient presents with chest pain, rule out MI.' This is an outpatient encounter. What should be coded?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain

Answer

For outpatient visits, coders report the sign/symptom (chest pain) — 'rule out' diagnoses are not coded.

Question 4

A coder is assigning CPT codes for a surgical procedure. The provider performed a medically necessary service and a service that is bundled per the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI). What should the coder do?

Accepted Answer

Report only the more complex bundled code

Answer

When NCCI bundles a component service into a comprehensive code, only the comprehensive code should be reported unless a specific exception applies.

Question 5

In ICD-10-PCS, what character position identifies the root operation?

Accepted Answer

Third character

Answer

The third character in an ICD-10-PCS code identifies the root operation (e.g., Excision, Repair, Replacement).

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Certified Coding Associate Exam Certified Coding Associate Clinical 5