CPAT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which best describes the scope of Disease Pathology & Management in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
2. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Emergency Procedures & Critical Care principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
3. What is the purpose of a 'secondary claim'? → To bill the secondary insurance after the primary payer has processed the claim
4. Which best describes the scope of Pharmacology & Medication Management in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
5. What does 'ICD-10' stand for? → International Classification of Diseases
6. What is 'insurance eligibility verification' and when should it be performed? → Confirming coverage before or at the time of service
7. What must be obtained before sharing a patient’s protected health information? → Patient authorization
8. What agency enforces HIPAA regulations? → Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
9. What does 'accounts receivable (AR) days' measure? → The average number of days it takes to collect payment after a service is rendered
10. Which document is typically obtained from the patient during registration to verify insurance coverage? → Insurance ID card
11. What is the most important competency assessed in Emergency Procedures & Critical Care for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
12. Which metric measures the percentage of billed charges actually collected after contractual adjustments? → Net collection rate
13. Which of the following is used to code behavioral and mental disorders? → ICD-10
14. What is a 'credit balance' on a patient account? → An overpayment resulting in more money collected than the amount owed
15. Under Medicare Advantage plans, which entity is responsible for issuing prior authorizations? → The Medicare Advantage plan (private insurer)
16. What is the most important competency assessed in Pharmacology & Medication Management for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
17. What is the primary purpose of collecting patient demographic information during registration? → To accurately identify the patient and ensure correct billing
18. Which federal law protects workers who report fraud or abuse? → False Claims Act
19. If a prior authorization is obtained but the patient's insurance coverage lapses before the service is rendered, the authorization is: → Voided, as authorization is contingent on active coverage at the time of service
20. Which of the following is a common reason for claim denial related to patient eligibility? → Insurance coverage was inactive on the date of service
21. An authorization number received from a payer should be documented in the patient's account because it: → Serves as proof of medical necessity review and links the claim to approved services
22. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Treatment Protocols & Interventions? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
23. What is the primary purpose of professional development? → To enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies throughout one's career
24. What is the most important competency assessed in Treatment Protocols & Interventions for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
25. When a patient presents without insurance, what is the appropriate first step? → Determine if the patient qualifies for financial assistance or charity care
26. What is 'underpayment' in revenue cycle management? → When a payer reimburses less than the contracted rate for a service
27. What is considered a breach under HIPAA? → Sharing PHI without authorization
28. What are continuing education units (CEUs)? → Standardized measures of learning activity used to maintain professional certifications
29. What is the primary purpose of a superbill? → To itemize and document services for reimbursement
30. Which document is used to detail payments, adjustments, and balances? → Patient ledger