COC CPT Procedure Coding 2

Question 1

Which CPT modifier indicates a service was reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion?

Accepted Answer

-52

Answer

Modifier -52 is used when a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion.

Question 2

When coding an outpatient surgical procedure, how should postoperative complications managed in the office during the global period be reported?

Accepted Answer

No separate code — included in global surgical package

Answer

Routine postoperative follow-up visits are included in the global surgical package and should not be coded separately.

Question 3

Which CPT code category uses time as the key controlling factor for code selection in E/M coding as of 2021 guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Office/outpatient E/M codes (99202–99215)

Answer

The 2021 E/M guideline changes allow office/outpatient codes 99202–99215 to be selected based solely on total time on the date of the encounter.

Question 4

What does the CPT symbol '▲' (triangle) next to a code indicate?

Accepted Answer

Revised code description

Answer

A triangle (▲) next to a CPT code signals that the code's description has been revised from the prior year.

Question 5

Which CPT modifier is used when two surgeons each perform distinct portions of a procedure?

Accepted Answer

-62

Answer

Modifier -62 (two surgeons) is appended when two surgeons work together as co-surgeons, each performing a distinct part of a single procedure.

COC - Certified Outpatient Coder Practice Test