CMC CPT & Procedural Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CPT code range is used for anesthesia services?
- 10021–10022
- 00100–01999 (Correct answer)
- 36000–36299
- 90281–90399
Correct answer: 00100–01999
CPT anesthesia codes are found in the 00100–01999 range and are organized by anatomical site or type of procedure.
Question 2: What is the purpose of CPT modifier -59?
- Distinct procedural service not normally reported together (Correct answer)
- Reduced services
- Decision for surgery
- Discontinued procedure
Correct answer: Distinct procedural service not normally reported together
Modifier -59 indicates a distinct procedural service, used to identify procedures/services that are not normally reported together but are appropriate under the circumstances.
Question 3: In CPT coding, what is an 'add-on code'?
- A code that can be reported alone or with any primary code
- A code that is always reported in addition to a primary procedure code (Correct answer)
- A temporary code for new technology
- A code requiring special documentation
Correct answer: A code that is always reported in addition to a primary procedure code
Add-on codes (marked with a '+' symbol in CPT) describe additional services performed in conjunction with a primary procedure and are never reported alone.
Question 4: Which section of the CPT manual covers radiology services including diagnostic imaging?
- Surgery section
- Medicine section
- Radiology section (70000–79999) (Correct answer)
- Pathology section
Correct answer: Radiology section (70000–79999)
CPT codes 70000–79999 comprise the Radiology section, covering diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and diagnostic ultrasound.
Question 5: What does CPT modifier -22 indicate when appended to a surgical code?
- Two surgeons operating together
- Increased procedural services beyond the usual (Correct answer)
- Reduced services
- Mandated services
Correct answer: Increased procedural services beyond the usual
Modifier -22 is used to report that the work required to perform a procedure was substantially greater than typically required, justifying additional reimbursement.
Question 6: Which CPT code range covers laboratory and pathology services?
- 80047–89398 (Correct answer)
- 70000–79999
- 90281–99199
- 00100–01999
Correct answer: 80047–89398
CPT pathology and laboratory codes are found in the range 80047–89398, covering chemistry panels, hematology, microbiology, and surgical pathology.
CMC CPT & Procedural Coding 2
Which CPT code range is used for anesthesia services?