CAC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which principle of the AAPC Code of Ethics specifically addresses the responsibility to report inaccurate information? → Integrity
2. Which federal law establishes criminal penalties for knowingly submitting false claims to Medicare or Medicaid? → The False Claims Act
3. What distinguishes an advanced agricultural consultant practitioner's approach to professional ethics & standards from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
4. Which modifier indicates that an ambulance transport was from a residence to a hospital? → RH
5. A coder is asked to backdate a claim to avoid a filing deadline. This action would constitute: → Fraud
6. What is the recommended frequency for reviewing and updating medical billing and reimbursement for ambulance services protocols? → Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis
7. Which law governs patient privacy and protects health information in ambulance billing? → HIPAA
8. What does HCPCS code A0429 represent in ambulance billing? → BLS emergency transport
9. In the context of ambulance coder, which principle most directly governs modifiers and special coding considerations for ambulance claims practices? → Applying evidence-based methodologies with peer-reviewed support
10. A patient is transported following a drug overdose. Which ICD-10-CM guideline applies to sequencing the poisoning code? → Code the poisoning first, then the manifestation
11. What is the primary objective of professional ethics & standards within the CAC professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
12. When coding a stroke transport for ambulance services, which ICD-10-CM code block is most appropriate for an unspecified cerebrovascular accident? → I63.9
13. Under Medicare, which level of ambulance service covers Basic Life Support (BLS) non-emergency transport? → A0428
14. When coding a cardiac arrest transport, which ICD-10-CM code represents cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition? → I46.9
15. What is the consequence of violating the False Claims Act in ambulance billing? → Significant fines and legal action
16. What is the most common mistake professionals make when implementing ambulance coding and documentation compliance strategies? → Developing contingency plans for high-probability risk scenarios
17. A stakeholder questions the value of professional ethics & standards initiatives. Which response best demonstrates ROI? → Building a culture of accountability with transparent reporting
18. Why is prior authorization required for some non-emergency ambulance transports? → To confirm medical necessity before reimbursement
19. A patient with COPD exacerbation is transported via ambulance. Which ICD-10-CM code best captures an acute exacerbation of COPD? → J44.1
20. Which ICD-10-CM code is used for respiratory failure as the primary reason for an emergency ambulance call? → J96.00
21. Which scenario would require a ambulance coder professional to escalate a legal and ethical considerations in ambulance billing concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
22. What is the purpose of a Compliance Plan in an EMS agency? → To establish policies that prevent, detect, and correct fraud, waste, and abuse
23. HCPCS code A0434 represents which type of ambulance transport? → Specialty Care Transport (SCT)
24. Which ICD-10-CM Z-code is used when an ambulance transports a patient for a scheduled interfacility transfer with no acute condition? → Z76.89
25. When a patient is transported due to altered mental status with no confirmed diagnosis, which ICD-10-CM code is most appropriate? → R41.3
26. Which level of service is billed when a paramedic provides care that clearly exceeds ALS Level 1 scope but does not involve specialty care personnel? → ALS Level 2 (A0433)
27. Which of the following is required to maintain the CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice) or CAC credential in good standing? → Completing continuing education units (CEUs) and paying annual renewal fees
28. Which ICD-10-CM code chapter provides codes for social determinants of health that may be relevant to ambulance transport documentation? → Chapter 21 – Z-codes
29. What is the Medicare Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) used for in ambulance billing? → To inform patients that Medicare may deny coverage and the patient may be liable
30. What documentation should accompany a non-emergency ambulance transport claim? → A Physician Certification Statement (PCS)