CPC Procedure Coding & Documentation 5

Question 1

Which modifier is used when a procedure is performed on an infant weighing less than 4 kg?

Accepted Answer

-63

Answer

Modifier -63 (Procedure Performed on Infants less than 4 kg) indicates the significant increase in complexity and physician work due to the patient's extremely small size.

Question 2

When a surgeon performs closure of a surgical incision as part of the same operative session, the closure is:

Accepted Answer

Included in the surgical package and not separately billed

Answer

Closure of a surgical wound created by the surgeon during the same operative session is part of the global surgical package and is not separately coded.

Question 3

A physician bills for a 45-minute office visit using total time. The note documents 20 minutes face-to-face and 25 minutes reviewing outside records before the visit. Is this appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Yes — total time on the date of service includes pre-visit record review

Answer

Under current AMA E/M guidelines, total physician time on the date of the encounter includes pre-service activities such as reviewing outside records, allowing both periods to be counted.

Question 4

CPT code 99024 is used to report:

Accepted Answer

A postoperative follow-up visit included in the global package (no charge)

Answer

CPT 99024 is a no-charge code used to report a postoperative follow-up visit that is included in the global surgical package, allowing tracking without separate reimbursement.

Question 5

A physician performs a flexible sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy during the same session. How should these be coded?

Accepted Answer

Only the colonoscopy, as it is the more extensive procedure encompassing the sigmoid

Answer

A colonoscopy includes examination through the entire colon to the cecum, which encompasses the sigmoid; when both are performed, only the more comprehensive colonoscopy is reported.

(CPC) Certified Procedural Coder Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Procedural Coder Practice Test

CPC Procedure Coding & Documentation 5