CPC Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CPC exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CPC Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CPC Topics to Study (33)
✍️ Sample CPC Questions & Answers
1. When a procedure note states 'difficult dissection due to prior surgery, procedure took 2.5× normal time,' which modifier best captures the additional work?
Modifier -22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when the work is substantially greater than typically required, and documentation must support the claim.
2. The suffix '-itis' at the end of a medical term indicates:
The suffix '-itis' means inflammation, as in appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
3. Which Medicare term describes the amount Medicare has approved for a covered service?
The Medicare Fee Schedule amount (approved amount) is the maximum amount Medicare will pay for a covered service based on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
4. What is the definition of a 'new patient' for E/M coding purposes?
A new patient is one who has not received any professional services from the physician/qualified health care professional or another in the same group of the same specialty within the past 3 years.
5. A Qui Tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act allows which party to file a lawsuit on behalf of the federal government?
Qui Tam provisions allow private individuals (relators or whistleblowers) to file FCA suits on the government's behalf and receive a portion of any recovery.
6. The 'three-day payment window' rule requires that outpatient services provided within how many days before an inpatient admission must be bundled into the inpatient DRG payment?
CMS's three-day payment window rule requires that most outpatient diagnostic services and related non-diagnostic services provided within 3 days prior to inpatient admission be included in the DRG payment.
🎯 Free CPC Practice Tests
📖 CPC Guides & Articles
- CPC Official Website Guide: Everything You Need From AAPC as a Certified Professional Coder
- AAPC CPC Exam Results: What to Expect, Timelines, and What Comes Next for Certified Professional Coders
- CPC Mock Test Papers with Answers: Complete Practice Guide for Certified Professional Coder Certification
- CPC Certificate Sample: What Your Certified Professional Coder Credential Looks Like & How to Earn It
- How to Apply for the CPC Exam: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Certified Professional Coder Certification
- CPC or COC Certification: Which Certified Professional Coder Credential Is Right for Your Career?
- CPC Pass Rate: What It Means for Your Certified Professional Coder Certification Journey
- CPC Employee Portal & Certified Professional Coder Career Guide 2026