CPC CPT Modifiers & Special Coding Situations 3

Question 1

Add-on codes in CPT are identified by which notation and are NEVER reported:

Accepted Answer

A '+' symbol; never reported without a primary procedure code

Answer

Add-on codes are identified by a '+' symbol and are always reported in addition to a primary procedure code, never alone.

Question 2

Modifier -51 (multiple procedures) is appended to which code when multiple procedures are performed?

Accepted Answer

The secondary and additional procedures, not the primary

Answer

Modifier -51 is appended to the secondary and additional procedures, not to the primary (highest-valued) procedure code.

Question 3

Category III CPT codes are used for:

Accepted Answer

Emerging technology, services, and procedures for data collection

Answer

Category III codes are temporary codes used to track emerging technologies, services, and procedures for data collection purposes.

Question 4

When reporting anesthesia services, which time unit formula is used for CMS?

Accepted Answer

(Base units + Time units) × Conversion factor

Answer

Anesthesia reimbursement is calculated as (Base Units + Time Units) × Conversion Factor, where time is typically reported in 15-minute increments.

Question 5

Which modifier is used to indicate that a service was performed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant acting as the primary provider?

Accepted Answer

-SA

Answer

Modifier -SA indicates that a service was performed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant when acting as the primary non-physician provider.

(CPC) Certified Procedural Coder Practice Test