CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which type of biopsy involves removing a core of tissue using a hollow needle? → Core needle biopsy
2. Should the location of the line's beginning (the insertion) or its end (the ________) be coded when a catheter is placed in the right middle artery? → Beginning
3. What is the primary purpose of HCPCS Level II codes? → To report products, supplies, and services not included in CPT®.
4. What does a panel code in laboratory coding represent? → A group of tests commonly performed together, reported as one code
5. What does the global surgical package typically include? → Pre-op, intra-op, and post-op care
6. When contrast material is used during a CT scan, how does this affect code selection? → A separate code is selected that specifies 'with contrast'
7. What time does anesthesia start? → When the anesthesiologist begins preparing the patient for the induction of anesthesia
8. To divert or create an artificial passage is what this term means: → Shunt
9. Codes for these are found in the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) manual: → Supplies, services, and procedures that are not found in the CPT manual.
10. The adenoids are contained in this, which is in the pharynx: → Nasopharynx
11. What is the correct code sequence when a surgeon performs an unplanned return to the OR during the global period? → Append modifier -78
12. When is it appropriate to use an unspecified ICD-10-CM code? → When the medical record lacks sufficient information to assign a more specific code
13. What does the abbreviation ICD-10-CM stand for? → International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification
14. Which organ system does the spleen belong to? → Hemic and Lymphatic
15. Which psychiatry code is used to report add-on interactive complexity during a psychotherapy session? → 90785
16. Which CPT code range covers Radiology services? → 70000–79999
17. Which modifier is used when a service or procedure is reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion? → -52
18. In the middle ear, this is situated: → Stapes
19. The small intestine's final part is the: → Ileum
20. When coding an endoscopy, which principle applies if the scope is advanced beyond a specific anatomical landmark? → Report the code for the most distal site reached
21. How do you describe Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral approach, single interspace, each additional interspace? → 22614
22. The tympanic membrane is also known as ______. → ear drum
23. What is the appropriate code for a prolonged office service lasting 30 additional minutes beyond the total time for the highest-level established patient E/M? → 99417
24. What does the abbreviation 'NOS' mean in ICD-10-CM? → Not Otherwise Specified
25. Which act applies when health privacy and the relationship between an employer and an employee come together? → Americans with Disabilities Act
26. What is the purpose of the QC (quality control) code modifier in laboratory billing? → It is not a standard CPT modifier; quality control is not separately reported
27. Which HCPCS Level II code is right for the Speech Language Pathology MIPS specialty set? → G4034
28. The base unit value assigned to an anesthesia CPT code includes all of the following services EXCEPT: → A nerve block performed by the anesthesiologist solely for postoperative pain management.
29. Which CPT code range covers the Medicine section? → 90000–99799
30. Which of the following HCPCS Level II modifiers is used to indicate that a colorectal cancer screening test was converted to a diagnostic test? → Modifier PT