CMC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the term 'code also' mean in coding guidelines? → Another code may be required
2. Which documentation practice is most important for quality assurance & performance improvement in the CMC field? → Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records
3. What is the primary purpose of quality assurance & performance improvement in the context of Certified Medical Coder? → To ensure consistent quality and professional accountability
4. What does the acronym HCPCS stand for? → Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
5. What is the significance of peer review in quality assurance & performance improvement for CMC professionals? → It promotes accountability, knowledge sharing, and quality improvement
6. In Certified Medical Coder, what role does quality assurance & performance improvement play in ensuring client/stakeholder satisfaction? → It builds trust through demonstrated competence and consistency
7. CPT code 99213 is a typical example of which type of service? → Office or other outpatient established patient visit
8. What is the global surgery package in CPT coding? → A defined period of pre- and post-operative care included in the surgical fee
9. Under ICD-10-CM guidelines, how should a coder handle a documented BMI in relation to an obesity diagnosis? → Assign the obesity code first, then add the BMI code as additional
10. Which HCPCS Level II code section covers ambulance and other transportation services? → A codes
11. Which documentation practice is most important for evidence-based practice & research methods in the CMC field? → Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records
12. What is a common challenge professionals face when applying quality assurance & performance improvement principles in Certified Medical Coder? → Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application
13. A Medicare patient receives a power wheelchair. Which HCPCS Level II code range is most appropriate? → E codes (DME)
14. Which ICD-10-CM code category is used to report encounters for health supervision of newborns? → Z38
15. When coding a condition described as 'probable' or 'suspected' in an outpatient setting, what should the coder assign? → The sign or symptom code
16. Which quality improvement method is most applicable to professional ethics & legal compliance in Certified Medical Coder? → Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continuous improvement cycle
17. Which section of the ICD-10-CM manual is used to locate diagnosis codes alphabetically? → Alphabetic Index
18. Which HCPCS Level II code category covers orthotic and prosthetic devices? → L codes
19. How should a CMC professional handle a situation where evidence-based practice & research methods protocols conflict with practical constraints? → Document the conflict and seek guidance from appropriate authorities
20. How should a CMC professional handle a situation where quality assurance & performance improvement protocols conflict with practical constraints? → Document the conflict and seek guidance from appropriate authorities
21. Which suffix means 'surgical removal'? → -ectomy
22. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for communication & interprofessional collaboration in CMC certification? → Critical thinking and evidence-based decision making
23. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination? → Cerebellum
24. What symbol in ICD-10-CM indicates that another code is needed to fully describe the condition? → Use additional code
25. What is a common challenge professionals face when applying communication & interprofessional collaboration principles in Certified Medical Coder? → Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application
26. When a patient is admitted for a complication of a procedure, what is sequenced as the principal diagnosis? → The complication code
27. What does the ICD-10-CM guideline 'code first' instruction require the coder to do? → Assign the etiology code before the manifestation code
28. Which CPT modifier is used to indicate a procedure was performed bilaterally? → -50
29. HCPCS Level II codes primarily cover which types of services and items? → Supplies, equipment, drugs, and non-physician services not covered by CPT
30. What is the term for inflammation of the liver? → Hepatitis