Free AAPC CPC Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 8

An ED visit involvingNSTEMIwith abnormal troponin, EKG confirmation, and escalation to cardiology for admission representshigh acuityand high risk of morbidity/mortality, supporting the highest-level ED E/M in typical CPC exam scenarios:99285. The definitive ED diagnosis isNSTEMI, which is coded asI21.4. When a definitive diagnosis is established (NSTEMI), you generally do not separately code the presenting symptomchest pain (R07.9)as an additional diagnosis unless the symptom is unrelated or specifically required; here it is the presenting symptom attributable to the MI and not separately necessary. Options A and C use inpatient consult codes (99254/99255) rather than an ED E/M code and are inappropriate for the ED provider’s service. Option D understates the acuity and incorrectly includes symptom coding as if no definitive diagnosis were made. Therefore, the correct answer is99285 with I21.4.

This is anestablished patient office visitcoded byMDM(or time, but time is not provided). Problems:one acute, uncomplicated illness(URI) → supportslowproblem complexity. Data: no labs/imaging ordered or reviewed →minimal/nonedata. Risk: although a prescription is given, MDM level is determined by2 of 3elements (Problems, Data, Risk). Here, only the risk might approach moderate due to prescription management, butproblems and data remain low/minimal, so the overall MDM doesnotmeet moderate. Therefore, the visit is best supported atlow MDM, which corresponds to99213for an established patient. It is more than minimal (99212) because a focused exam and management plan are documented, but it does not meet the higher complexity required for 99214/99215 (multiple problems, significant data review, or high-risk management). CPC exam focus: don’t let a single element (like antibiotics) automatically “force” a higher code—MDM requires meeting the level intwo elements.

The epididymis is a structure attached to the testes that stores and transports sperm.

It is part of the male reproductive system, not the urinary system.

This concept falls under anatomy and physiology, a core CPC exam domain.

For diabetes coding, you must first select the diabetes category that matches the type:Type 1 diabetesisE10.-(not E11, which is Type 2). “Diabetic chronic kidney disease” maps toE10.22(Type 1 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease). ICD-10-CM guidelines then require anadditional codeto identify thestage of CKDfromN18.-. Because the question does not specify the CKD stage, you assignN18.9(chronic kidney disease, unspecified). That makesE10.22, N18.9correct (Option B). Option D would only be correct if the stage were specifically documented asCKD stage 1 (N18.1). Option C (E10.21) is diabetes with diabetic nephropathy, which is not the same as “diabetic CKD” in this question. CPC exam tip:E10.22 always needs an N18.- stage codewhen stage is known; if not known, useN18.9.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The urinalysis performed was non-automated and without microscopy.

CPT® Code 81002 is appropriate for a non-automated urinalysis without microscopy. This code accurately reflects the test performed in the office.

2. Diagnosis and ICD-10-CM Code Selection:

ICD-10-CM Code R30.0 is used for dysuria, which was one of the patient's presenting symptoms.

ICD-10-CM Code R10.30 is used for lower abdominal pain, another presenting symptom.

Since the urinalysis ruled out a urinary tract infection, N39.0 (UTI) is not appropriate as a final diagnosis.

3. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 81000 (in options A and B) is for a urinalysis with microscopy, which was not performed here.

N39.0 is used when a UTI is confirmed, which is incorrect for this case since the urinalysis was negative, ruling out UTI.

4. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

AAPC guidelines recommend coding based on the symptoms when a specific diagnosis (such as UTI) is ruled out. Therefore, R30.0 and R10.30 are appropriate symptom codes for this encounter.

Thus, the correct answer is C. 81002, R30.0, R10.30.

In medical billing, Place of Service (POS) code 31 is used to indicate that a service was performed in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). POS codes are standardized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to specify the location where services are provided.

A. 32 refers to a nursing facility (NF), which is different from a skilled nursing facility in terms of the level of care provided.

B. 20 indicates urgent care facility.

C. 22 is used for outpatient hospital services.

Thus, the correct answer is D. 31 for a skilled nursing facility.

Heyman capsules are applicators used ingynecologic brachytherapy, classically forintracavitary uterineplacement as part of internal radiation therapy. CPT distinguishes between prostate brachytherapy services and gynecologic applicator placements.55875is associated with prostate brachytherapy procedures, and57155is for insertion of uterine tandem and/or vaginal ovoids (a different applicator system). The code that specifically aligns withinsertion of Heyman capsulesis58346. CPC exam strategy: when a question names a specific device/apparatus (like Heyman capsules), it is usually pointing to avery specific CPT code. Also, keep the anatomic system straight—Heyman capsules are not a prostate service and not simply a generic “radiation therapy” code; they are a named gynecologic brachytherapy applicator insertion. Therefore, among the given options,58346is the correct report.

The documentation describes making a skin incision off the tip of the twelfth rib and extending medially along the banger’s lines of the skin. The use of electrocautery to gain access through multiple layers of musculature and fascia indicates an open surgical approach. Open surgery involves making a large incision to expose and directly view the surgical site. This is distinct from percutaneous (which involves needles or catheters), laparoscopic (which uses small incisions and a camera), and other minimally invasive techniques.

AMA's CPT® Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II (current year)

The operative note describes anopen radical hysterectomyfor endometrial cancer with removal of theuterus, tubes, and ovaries(specimens listed) and extensive dissection ofuterine arteries, uterosacral and cardinal ligaments, consistent with aradicalprocedure. The approach is clearlyabdominal/open(midline vertical incision and abdominal entry), not laparoscopic, so a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy code (such as 58548) is not appropriate. In the answer set,58210represents aradical abdominal hysterectomy(with appropriate extent for malignancy management). In addition, the surgeon performedpelvic lymph node samplingbilaterally, removing lymphatic tissue along the iliac vessels to the obturator nerve region. The correct code in the choices for pelvic lymphadenectomy/sampling is38770. Pelvic washings and extensive exploration are included in the primary surgical service and do not add separate CPT codes in this scenario. Therefore, the correct coding combination is58210 and 38770.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The procedure described is a craniectomy to access and remove a supratentorial intracerebral hematoma using a suction device.

CPT® Code 61314 is specific for a craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of a hematoma, supratentorial (within the upper portion of the brain), and includes any required dural repair and closure. This code precisely describes the procedure performed to remove the hematoma.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 61154 is used for a burr hole procedure for the evacuation of a hematoma, which is a less invasive approach and does not involve a craniectomy.

Code 61313 is for a craniectomy or craniotomy to evacuate an infratentorial hematoma, which is located in the lower portion of the brain (posterior fossa) and is not applicable here.

Code 61312 is for evacuation of an epidural or subdural hematoma and does not apply to an intracerebral hematoma as described in this case.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, 61314 is the appropriate code for craniectomy procedures aimed at removing supratentorial intracerebral hematomas, as it covers the full scope of the documented procedure.

Thus, the correct answer is A. 61314.