Certified Coding Associate Exam CPT and HCPCS Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CPT modifier indicates a bilateral procedure was performed?
- -50 (Correct answer)
- -51
- -52
- -53
Correct answer: -50
Modifier -50 is appended when the same procedure is performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session.
Question 2: A patient undergoes a surgical procedure that is discontinued after anesthesia is administered but before the intended procedure begins. Which modifier applies?
- -52
- -53 (Correct answer)
- -73
- -74
Correct answer: -53
Modifier -53 is used when a physician discontinues a surgical procedure after anesthesia administration due to extenuating circumstances.
Question 3: In CPT coding, what is a 'global surgical package'?
- A bundle of codes for multiple unrelated surgeries
- All services normally included in a single surgical procedure, including pre- and post-operative care (Correct answer)
- A group of codes for same-day surgery only
- A code set for outpatient procedures exclusively
Correct answer: All services normally included in a single surgical procedure, including pre- and post-operative care
The global surgical package bundles the pre-operative, intraoperative, and standard post-operative care into one surgical code reimbursement.
Question 4: Which section of CPT includes codes for radiological supervision and interpretation?
- Surgery section
- Radiology section (70010–79999) (Correct answer)
- Medicine section
- Pathology and Laboratory section
Correct answer: Radiology section (70010–79999)
The Radiology section (70010–79999) contains codes for diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and radiological supervision.
Question 5: HCPCS Level II modifier 'LT' is used to indicate which of the following?
- Long-term care facility
- Left side (Correct answer)
- Licensed therapist
- Low-trauma procedure
Correct answer: Left side
HCPCS modifier LT designates that a procedure or service was performed on the left side of the body.
Question 6: When reporting E/M codes, which three key components are considered?
- History, physical examination, and medical decision making (Correct answer)
- Chief complaint, diagnosis, and treatment plan
- Age, diagnosis, and location of service
- Time, complexity, and prior authorization
Correct answer: History, physical examination, and medical decision making
The three key E/M components are history, physical examination, and medical decision making (MDM), which determine the appropriate level of service.
Question 7: Which CPT modifier is appended when a procedure or service is reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion?
- -52 (Correct answer)
- -55
- -56
- -58
Correct answer: -52
Modifier -52 indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion.
Certified Coding Associate Exam CPT and HCPCS Coding 2
Which CPT modifier indicates a bilateral procedure was performed?