FREE Certified Professional Coder Trivia Questions and Answers

Question 1

To check for cancer, a tissue sample will be taken from a lesion on a 45-year-old lady. A full-thickness tissue sample was taken by utilizing a sharp blade to remove the tissue samples. A simple closure was done.

Which CPT code must be documented by the provider?

Accepted Answer

11106

Answer

CPT code 11106 is for 'Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and/or mucous membrane (including simple closure), punch, percutaneous; single lesion.' The scenario describes taking a full-thickness tissue sample from a single lesion using a sharp blade (implying an incisional or punch biopsy) with simple closure. This code accurately represents the procedure for the first lesion biopsied via this technique.

Question 2

A patient with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoes an arthrodesis operation. Three lumbar interspaces were treated during the surgery.

Which ICD-10 and CPT codes should the doctor report?

Accepted Answer

22630, 22632, 22632, and M48.06

Answer

CPT code 22630 describes 'Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, lumbar region (e.g., PLIF); single interspace.' For additional interspaces, add-on code 22632 is used: 'Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, lumbar region (e.g., PLIF); each additional interspace.' Since three lumbar interspaces were treated, 22630 is reported for the first, and 22632 is reported twice for the two additional interspaces. M48.06 is the correct ICD-10-CM code for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Question 3

A 2-year-old girl who was born with a cleft palate will have surgery to make her nose look better. She should have a full rhinoplasty, according to her doctor, to raise the tip of her nose. The doctor also made a significant septal repair.

What CPT code needs to be reported by the doctor?

Accepted Answer

30420

Answer

CPT code 30420 is for 'Rhinoplasty, secondary; with major septal repair.' The patient's history of a cleft palate indicates that this is a secondary procedure to correct a congenital deformity, not an initial rhinoplasty. The description explicitly mentions a 'full rhinoplasty' to raise the tip of the nose and a 'significant septal repair,' which aligns perfectly with the comprehensive nature of code 30420.

Question 4

A doctor decides to fix a paraoesophageal hernia. Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and reflux were all present in the patient. A surgical procedure was suggested to avoid a strangulated hernia. The doctor moved the stomach and other protrusions back into place during the procedure. In order to avoid developing another hernia, the surgeon used mesh materials.

Which CPT code is required for reporting?

Accepted Answer

43282

Answer

CPT code 43282 specifically describes the laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia, which includes fundoplasty (a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter) and allows for the use of mesh. The clinical scenario details a laparoscopic procedure to fix a paraesophageal hernia, move the stomach back into place, and use mesh, perfectly aligning with the description of code 43282. Other options are incorrect as they describe different procedures or require separate coding for mesh, which is included in 43282.

Question 5

A 38-year-old male patient was given the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome by the doctor. Since the patient was in pain, he or she decided to have surgery. The doctor performed an ulnar nerve release procedure in which he separated the Osborne's ligament, widening the tunnel and relieving pressure on the ulnar nerve.

How should a CPT code be reported?

Accepted Answer

64836

Answer

The patient was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome, which involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The doctor performed an ulnar nerve release, separating Osborne's ligament to widen the tunnel and relieve pressure. CPT code 64836 specifically describes 'Neuroplasty, ulnar nerve at elbow; decompression,' which accurately reflects the surgical procedure performed to decompress the ulnar nerve at the elbow for cubital tunnel syndrome.

CPC - Certified Professional Coder Practice Test

CPC - Certified Professional Coder Practice Test

FREE Certified Professional Coder Trivia Questions and Answers