Free Certified Coding Associate Professional Questions and Answers

Question 1

What does it signify when a CPT code is preceded by the symbol #?

Accepted Answer

That the code is listed out of numerical order

Answer

In the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codebook, the # (pound sign) symbol indicates that a code has been resequenced. This means the code appears out of numerical order to group related procedures together for easier reference. This helps coders locate services that are clinically related, even if their numerical sequence is broken.

Question 2

What ICD-9 code should be used to diagnose a history of personal heart attacks?

Accepted Answer

412

Answer

In the ICD-9-CM coding system, code 412 is specifically used to diagnose 'Old myocardial infarction' or 'Healed myocardial infarction.' This code is appropriate for documenting a patient's personal history of a heart attack when they are not currently experiencing an acute event, indicating a past cardiac episode.

Question 3

Why is it important to include ICD-9 codes on a claim?

Accepted Answer

They indicate the medical necessity of the service

Answer

ICD-9 (and now ICD-10) codes are diagnosis codes that describe the patient's condition or the reason for their visit. They are essential on a claim because they provide the medical justification for the services (CPT codes) performed, thereby establishing medical necessity. Without appropriate diagnosis codes, insurance companies may deny claims as they cannot ascertain why the services were rendered.

Question 4

HIPAA stands for what?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Answer

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Enacted in 1996, this federal law established national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from unauthorized disclosure. It also includes provisions aimed at improving the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage.

Question 5

What is the main diagnosis in an outpatient setting?

Accepted Answer

The reason the paient came in for the visit

Answer

In an outpatient setting, the main diagnosis, also known as the primary diagnosis, is the condition, problem, or complaint that is chiefly responsible for the patient seeking medical attention and receiving services during that specific encounter. It is the diagnosis that best describes the patient's chief complaint or the primary reason for the visit.

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Free Certified Coding Associate Professional Questions and Answers