CPC Certified Professional Coder 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which modifier is appended to a CPT code to indicate a procedure was performed on the left side of the body?
- Modifier -RT
- Modifier -LT (Correct answer)
- Modifier -50
- Modifier -51
Correct answer: Modifier -LT
Modifier -LT (Left side) is used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body.
Question 2: What ICD-10-CM placeholder character is used to keep a code at its required number of digits when a character is not applicable?
- 0 (zero)
- X (Correct answer)
- Z
- 9
Correct answer: X
The letter 'X' is the placeholder character in ICD-10-CM used to allow for future expansion and to keep codes at required digit counts.
Question 3: A surgeon performs a laparoscopic cholecystectomy that is converted to an open procedure. Which modifier should be reported?
- Modifier -22
- Modifier -52
- Modifier -53 (Correct answer)
- Modifier -62
Correct answer: Modifier -53
Modifier -53 is used when a surgical procedure is discontinued after the patient has been prepared and anesthesia administered, which applies to procedures converted mid-way.
Question 4: In the CPT manual, what does the triangle symbol (▲) preceding a code indicate?
- A new code
- A revised code description (Correct answer)
- An add-on code
- A code exempt from modifier -51
Correct answer: A revised code description
The triangle symbol (▲) in the CPT manual indicates that the code's description has been revised from the previous year.
Question 5: Which section of the CPT manual contains codes for Evaluation and Management services?
- Section 90000–99999
- Section 99202–99499 (Correct answer)
- Section 70000–79999
- Section 80000–89999
Correct answer: Section 99202–99499
Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes are found in the 99202–99499 range within the CPT manual.
Question 6: What is the correct way to sequence ICD-10-CM codes when a patient has both a coexisting condition and a manifestation?
- Manifestation code first, etiology code second
- Etiology code first, manifestation code second (Correct answer)
- Either order is acceptable
- Only the etiology code is reported
Correct answer: Etiology code first, manifestation code second
ICD-10-CM convention requires the etiology (underlying cause) to be sequenced first, followed by the manifestation code.
Question 7: A patient is seen for a condition that is a late effect of a previous injury. Which type of code must be assigned?
- An acute injury code
- A sequela code (7th character S) (Correct answer)
- A subsequent encounter code (7th character D)
- An external cause code only
Correct answer: A sequela code (7th character S)
In ICD-10-CM, the 7th character 'S' designates a sequela, which is a late effect or complication resulting from a prior injury.
CPC Certified Professional Coder 2
Which modifier is appended to a CPT code to indicate a procedure was performed on the left side of the body?