CPC CPT Surgery: Musculoskeletal System 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A surgeon performs an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a displaced fracture of the femoral shaft. Which CPT code range covers fracture treatment of the femur?
- 27500–27514 (Correct answer)
- 24500–24516
- 25600–25624
- 28400–28415
Correct answer: 27500–27514
CPT codes 27500–27514 cover fracture and dislocation treatment of the femur (thigh region).
Question 2: Which modifier is appended to a musculoskeletal procedure to indicate it was performed on the left side?
- Modifier -LT (Correct answer)
- Modifier -50
- Modifier -RT
- Modifier -52
Correct answer: Modifier -LT
Modifier -LT (Left Side) is used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body.
Question 3: A physician performs an arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy of the knee. Which CPT code is most appropriate?
- 29881 (Correct answer)
- 29880
- 29870
- 29877
Correct answer: 29881
CPT 29881 describes arthroscopy, knee, surgical, with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving).
Question 4: When coding a wound exploration due to penetrating trauma, which factor primarily determines the appropriate CPT code?
- Depth and extent of the wound exploration (Correct answer)
- Number of sutures placed
- Type of anesthesia used
- Patient's age
Correct answer: Depth and extent of the wound exploration
Wound exploration codes (20100–20103) are selected based on the anatomic depth and extent of exploration required.
Question 5: A patient undergoes amputation of the lower leg through the tibia and fibula. Which CPT code range applies?
- 27880–27889 (Correct answer)
- 27590–27598
- 28800–28805
- 27600–27612
Correct answer: 27880–27889
CPT codes 27880–27889 describe leg amputations at the level of the tibia and fibula (below the knee).
Question 6: Which CPT code describes application of a short arm cast?
- 29125 (Correct answer)
- 29105
- 29085
- 29130
Correct answer: 29125
CPT 29125 is application of short arm splint (static), while 29085 is hand and wrist; 29125 covers the short arm specifically.
CPC CPT Surgery: Musculoskeletal System 1
A surgeon performs an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a displaced fracture of the femoral shaft.
Which CPT code range covers fracture treatment of the femur?