CPC Procedure Coding & Documentation 3

Question 1

Under CPT guidelines, a 'separate procedure' designation means the code should be:

Accepted Answer

Reported only when performed independently and not as part of a larger procedure

Answer

A 'separate procedure' in parentheses means that code is only reported when the service is performed independently, not as part of a more comprehensive procedure.

Question 2

A physician performs an excision of a 2.2 cm malignant lesion on the back with 0.5 cm margins. What is the correct CPT code diameter used for code selection?

Accepted Answer

3.2 cm

Answer

For excision of malignant lesions, the size is calculated as the lesion diameter plus the required margins on each side: 2.2 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 3.2 cm.

Question 3

Which type of wound closure is classified as 'complex repair' in CPT?

Accepted Answer

Closure involving debridement, extensive undermining, or retention sutures

Answer

Complex repair involves one or more of these elements: debridement, extensive undermining, layer closure, or use of retention sutures, beyond what simple or intermediate repairs require.

Question 4

For outpatient hospital coding, the principal procedure is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The procedure most related to the reason for the visit or principal diagnosis

Answer

In outpatient coding, the principal procedure is the one most closely related to the reason for the encounter or the principal diagnosis.

Question 5

CPT modifier -76 is appended when:

Accepted Answer

The same physician repeats the same procedure on the same day

Answer

Modifier -76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician) indicates the same physician repeated a procedure or service on the same day.

(CPC) Certified Procedural Coder Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Procedural Coder Practice Test

CPC Procedure Coding & Documentation 3