CPCA Surgical and Reconstructive Procedure Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Blepharoplasty CPT codes are found under which CPT Surgery subsection?
- Integumentary System
- Eye and Ocular Adnexa (Correct answer)
- Musculoskeletal System
- Nervous System
Correct answer: Eye and Ocular Adnexa
Blepharoplasty codes (67900 series) are located in the Eye and Ocular Adnexa section of CPT because the procedure involves the eyelids, which are classified under ocular structures.
Question 2: When coding rhinoplasty, what key factor determines whether the primary or secondary rhinoplasty CPT code is selected?
- The patient's age
- Whether the procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive
- Whether it is the patient's first rhinoplasty or a subsequent revision (Correct answer)
- The type of anesthesia administered
Correct answer: Whether it is the patient's first rhinoplasty or a subsequent revision
CPT distinguishes between primary rhinoplasty (first procedure on the nose) and secondary rhinoplasty (revision/correction of a prior rhinoplasty), which determines the appropriate code set.
Question 3: When coding excision of benign lesions of the skin, which CPT range is used?
- 11300–11313
- 11400–11471 (Correct answer)
- 17000–17004
- 11200–11201
Correct answer: 11400–11471
CPT codes 11400–11471 are used for excision of benign lesions, with selection based on the lesion's anatomical location and the excised diameter including margins.
Question 4: When coding wound repair, which three variables are required to select the correct CPT code?
- Surgeon experience, repair time, and suture type
- Total length, complexity (simple/intermediate/complex), and anatomical location (Correct answer)
- Depth, patient age, and number of layers
- Width, wound etiology, and anesthesia type
Correct answer: Total length, complexity (simple/intermediate/complex), and anatomical location
Wound repair CPT codes are determined by the combined length of wounds in the same complexity category, the repair complexity (simple, intermediate, or complex), and the anatomical location of the repair.
Question 5: In skin surgery, an advancement flap is best described as:
- A full-thickness graft harvested from a distant donor site
- A tissue segment moved directly forward without rotation to close an adjacent defect (Correct answer)
- A flap pivoted around a fixed point to cover a defect
- A free flap requiring microvascular anastomosis
Correct answer: A tissue segment moved directly forward without rotation to close an adjacent defect
An advancement flap is a local flap that is stretched or slid directly forward into an adjacent defect without lateral rotation, relying on the tissue's inherent elasticity.
Question 6: When coding liposuction procedures, what is the primary factor that determines which CPT code is selected?
- Total volume of aspirate removed
- Patient's body mass index (BMI)
- Each distinct anatomical area treated (Correct answer)
- Duration of the operative session
Correct answer: Each distinct anatomical area treated
Liposuction codes are reported per anatomical area treated (e.g., abdomen, flanks, thighs), so multiple areas treated in the same session each generate a separate reportable unit.
Question 7: Which modifier is appended to a CPT code to indicate a procedure was performed on the right side of the body?
- -LT
- -50
- -RT (Correct answer)
- -51
Correct answer: -RT
Modifier -RT (Right Side) and -LT (Left Side) are HCPCS Level II modifiers used to specify laterality when a procedure is performed on only one side of a paired anatomical structure.
CPCA Surgical and Reconstructive Procedure Coding 2
Blepharoplasty CPT codes are found under which CPT Surgery subsection?