CPC Medical Coding Systems & Classification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ICD-10-CM convention instructs the coder to assign an additional code to fully describe a condition?
- Excludes1
- Code also (Correct answer)
- Code first
- See
Correct answer: Code also
'Code also' instructs the coder to assign a secondary code when it may add important information about the condition.
Question 2: In CPT, what does the descriptor 'separate procedure' indicate?
- The procedure is never billable
- The procedure is integral to a larger service and generally not billed alone (Correct answer)
- The procedure requires a modifier
- The procedure must be reported on a separate claim
Correct answer: The procedure is integral to a larger service and generally not billed alone
A 'separate procedure' designation means the service is usually part of a more comprehensive procedure and should not be billed independently when performed as part of that larger service.
Question 3: HCPCS Level II codes are maintained primarily by which organization?
- AMA
- CMS (Correct answer)
- WHO
- AHIMA
Correct answer: CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains HCPCS Level II codes used for non-physician services, supplies, and equipment.
Question 4: In ICD-10-PCS, how many characters does every procedure code contain?
- 5
- 6
- 7 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 7
Every ICD-10-PCS code is exactly 7 alphanumeric characters, each representing a specific axis of classification.
Question 5: Which CPT code category is used for emerging technologies, services, and procedures and is intended to collect data?
- Category I
- Category II
- Category III (Correct answer)
- Appendix A
Correct answer: Category III
CPT Category III codes are temporary codes for emerging technologies and experimental procedures, used primarily for data collection.
Question 6: An ICD-10-CM code that is not valid for reporting on a claim because it requires additional characters is called:
- An NOS code
- A placeholder code
- A non-billable code (Correct answer)
- An excludes code
Correct answer: A non-billable code
Non-billable (or non-specific) codes require further specification via additional characters before they can be submitted on a claim.
Question 7: Which section of the CPT codebook contains codes for anesthesia services?
- 00100–01999 (Correct answer)
- 10000–19999
- 20000–29999
- 99100–99140
Correct answer: 00100–01999
Anesthesia CPT codes are found in the range 00100–01999, organized by anatomical site of the surgical procedure.
CPC Medical Coding Systems & Classification 2
Which ICD-10-CM convention instructs the coder to assign an additional code to fully describe a condition?