Certified Medical Coding Specialist Case Studies & Practical Application 2

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes presents with a diabetic foot ulcer on the right heel. The documentation states the ulcer is limited to the skin. Which ICD-10-CM code set is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

E11.621, L97.419

Answer

E11.621 captures type 2 diabetes with foot ulcer, and L97.419 identifies the right heel ulcer limited to the skin with unspecified severity.

Question 2

During an office visit, a physician documents 'patient seen for follow-up of hypertension and is also complaining of knee pain.' How many diagnoses should be coded?

Accepted Answer

Two — hypertension and the knee pain

Answer

Both conditions were addressed during the encounter, so both hypertension and knee pain should be coded per ICD-10-CM guidelines.

Question 3

A surgical note documents removal of a 2.1 cm benign skin lesion from the back with simple closure. Which CPT code range applies?

Accepted Answer

11400–11406

Answer

CPT codes 11400–11406 cover excision of benign lesions on the trunk, including the back, based on lesion diameter.

Question 4

An inpatient record lists pneumonia as the principal diagnosis with a secondary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. Under UHDDS guidelines, which condition is the principal diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonia because it was the reason for admission after study

Answer

The principal diagnosis is the condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for causing the admission, which is pneumonia in this case.

Question 5

A patient undergoes arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy of the left knee. Which CPT code is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

29881

Answer

CPT 29881 describes arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy (medial or lateral), which is the correct code for this procedure.

Certified Medical Coding Specialist Practice Test

Certified Medical Coding Specialist Practice Test

Certified Medical Coding Specialist Case Studies & Practical Application 2