CPC Certified Professional Coder MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient undergoes a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography. Which modifier should be appended to the cholangiography code?
- Modifier -51
- Modifier -59
- Modifier -26
- No modifier needed (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No modifier needed
Intraoperative cholangiography performed during the same operative session as cholecystectomy does not require a modifier because it is a separately identifiable procedure bundled with the surgical report.
Question 2: When coding for Evaluation and Management (E/M) services under the 2021 guidelines, the level of medical decision making (MDM) is based on which three elements?
- History, examination, and MDM
- Number of diagnoses, amount of data reviewed, and risk of complications (Correct answer)
- Chief complaint, HPI, and ROS
- Time, complexity, and documentation
Correct answer: Number of diagnoses, amount of data reviewed, and risk of complications
Under 2021 E/M guidelines, MDM is determined by the number and complexity of problems, amount and complexity of data reviewed, and risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality.
Question 3: A coder is reviewing a claim for a new patient office visit. The physician documented a comprehensive history, comprehensive exam, and high complexity MDM. Which E/M code is most appropriate?
- 99202
- 99204
- 99205 (Correct answer)
- 99215
Correct answer: 99205
99205 represents a new patient office visit with high complexity medical decision making (or 60-74 minutes of total time).
Question 4: Which of the following describes the correct use of modifier -25?
- Significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a procedure (Correct answer)
- Reduced services performed by the same physician
- Bilateral procedure performed
- Assistant surgeon services
Correct answer: Significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a procedure
Modifier -25 indicates a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service was provided by the same physician on the same day as a procedure or other service.
Question 5: In ICD-10-CM, what does the 7th character 'A' represent when used with injury codes?
- Subsequent encounter
- Sequela
- Initial encounter (Correct answer)
- Acute injury
Correct answer: Initial encounter
The 7th character 'A' designates the initial encounter, meaning the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition.
Question 6: Which CPT code range covers Surgery on the Musculoskeletal System?
- 10000-19999
- 20000-29999 (Correct answer)
- 30000-39999
- 40000-49999
Correct answer: 20000-29999
CPT codes 20000-29999 cover procedures on the musculoskeletal system including the spine, fracture care, and joint procedures.
Question 7: A patient is seen for hypertension and type 2 diabetes with diabetic chronic kidney disease, stage 3. How many ICD-10-CM codes are required?
- One code covers all conditions
- Two codes: one for diabetes with CKD and one for stage 3 CKD
- Three codes: hypertension, diabetes with CKD, and CKD stage 3 (Correct answer)
- Two codes: hypertension with CKD and diabetes
Correct answer: Three codes: hypertension, diabetes with CKD, and CKD stage 3
You need E11.22 (type 2 diabetes with diabetic CKD), N18.3 (CKD stage 3), and I10 (essential hypertension) — three separate codes per ICD-10-CM guidelines.
CPC Certified Professional Coder MCQ 2
A patient undergoes a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography.
Which modifier should be appended to the cholangiography code?