Free Certified Professional Coder MCQ Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which anesthesia code should be used when performing intravertebral procedures on the spine or spinal cord, including lumbar percutaneous image-guided neuromodulation or kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?

1941
1938
1942 (Correct answer)
1940

Correct answer: 1942

The CPT code for anesthesia for extensive spinal procedures, such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, is 00670. This code covers anesthesia for procedures on the vertebral column involving extensive work. The options provided (1941, 1938, 1942, 1940) are not standard CPT anesthesia codes. If '1942' is the designated correct answer, it likely represents a placeholder or a non-standard reference within the context of the exam's specific materials, rather than a universally recognized CPT code.

Question 2: In the event that a 5-year-old presents to the emergency room and needs sedation. The patient can breathe on his or her own. The doctor advises sedating the patient for 30 minutes. How are CPT codes to be reported?

99157 and 99157
99155 and 99157
99156
99156 and 99157 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 99156 and 99157

CPT code 99156 is used for moderate sedation services for an initial 15 minutes for a patient *younger than 5 years of age*. CPT code 99157 is an add-on code for each additional 15 minutes of intraservice time. Although the question states 'a 5-year-old', if 99156 is the correct initial code, it implies the patient was considered to fall into the 'younger than 5' category for this specific exam question. Since the sedation lasted 30 minutes, 99157 is reported for the second 15-minute increment.

Question 3: A patient seeks sialodochoplasty, a primary or simple plastic surgery procedure, at her doctor's office. She does not require anesthesia for the procedure, the doctor decides. What CPT code ought to be entered?

42500 (Correct answer)
42500 – P1
42500 – P2
none of the above

Correct answer: 42500

CPT code 42500 describes 'Sialodochoplasty; primary or simple.' The scenario specifies a primary or simple plastic surgery procedure on the salivary duct (sialodochoplasty) that does not require anesthesia. Therefore, 42500 is the correct code. Modifiers like -P1 or -P2 are for physical status modifiers used with anesthesia codes, not for the surgical procedure itself.

Question 4: A patient has been identified as having an unidentified malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx, and the doctor advises that the patient received radiation therapy for 5 sessions. Which CPT and ICD-10 codes should be used?

77427 and C10.8
77427 and C10.9 (Correct answer)
77402 and C10.9
77401 and C10.8

Correct answer: 77427 and C10.9

CPT code 77427 is for 'Radiation treatment management, 5 fractions.' This code is used for weekly radiation therapy management, and 5 sessions would typically fall under one unit of this code. For the diagnosis, C10.9 represents 'Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx, unspecified,' which accurately describes an unidentified malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx. Therefore, 77427 and C10.9 are the appropriate codes.

Question 5: A 10-year-old boy with two dark lesions visits his family doctor. The doctor decides the patient requires a punch biopsy. What CPT code ought the provider enter?

11104 and 11105 (Correct answer)
11104 and 11104
11102
11102 – 59

Correct answer: 11104 and 11105

CPT code 11104 is for 'Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and/or mucous membrane (including lesion excision), punch, single lesion.' CPT code 11105 is an add-on code for 'each additional lesion.' Since the doctor performs a punch biopsy on two dark lesions, 11104 is used for the first lesion, and 11105 is used for the second additional lesion. This correctly reports both biopsies performed.

Question 6: What code should a doctor enter if a Bronchoplasty is combined with graft repair, excision stenosis, and anastomosis during this procedure?

31770 and 31775
31515 and 31775
31775 (Correct answer)
none of the above

Correct answer: 31775

CPT code 31775 describes 'Bronchoplasty; complex, with graft repair, excision of stenosis and anastomosis.' This code is a comprehensive code that includes all the components mentioned in the procedure: graft repair, excision of stenosis, and anastomosis. Therefore, it is the single, most appropriate code to use, rather than coding individual components separately.

Question 7: Urinary incontinence in 61-year-old male results in uncontrollable leakage. The patient underwent a procedure to address this problem three months ago. The surgeon stitched the incision shut by placing a sling across the muscles that surround the urethra. To have the sling taken off, the patient returns. What CPT code ought to be entered?

53442 – 51
53431
53442 (Correct answer)
53442 – 59

Correct answer: 53442

CPT code 53442 describes 'Removal of urethral sling, male or female, including foreign body removal, when performed.' The patient is returning to have a previously placed urethral sling removed due to urinary incontinence. This code specifically covers the removal of a urethral sling. Modifiers like -51 or -59 are not necessary as this is a standalone procedure.

Question 8: Which of the following is an observation Z code category for a medical observation encounter for suspected diseases and conditions that have been ruled out?

Z03 (Correct answer)
Z05
Z02
Z04

Correct answer: Z03

Z03 is the ICD-10-CM Z code category for 'Medical observation and evaluation for suspected diseases and conditions ruled out.' This category is used when a patient is admitted for observation due to a suspected condition that, after evaluation, is determined not to be present. The other Z codes (Z05, Z02, Z04) refer to other types of observation or examinations.

Question 9: Which modifier can a physician use when giving a service in a hospital that is both technical and professional?

51
59
91
26 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 26

Modifier 26 is used to indicate the professional component of a service. This modifier is applied when a physician provides only the professional interpretation and report for a diagnostic test or procedure, while the technical component (e.g., equipment, supplies, technical staff) is provided by the hospital or another entity. This distinguishes the physician's cognitive work from the facility's resources.

Question 10: To divert or create an artificial passage is what this term means:

Shunt (Correct answer)
Burr
Catheter
Occipital

Correct answer: Shunt

In medical terminology, a 'shunt' refers to a bypass or diversion. It is an artificial passage or a natural channel that diverts a bodily fluid from one part of the body to another. For example, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt diverts cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen.

Question 11: The outermost layer of the eyeball is referred to by this term:

Chorea
Ciliary
Sclera (Correct answer)
Lacrimal

Correct answer: Sclera

The sclera is the tough, white, outermost layer of the eyeball. It provides structural support and protection for the inner components of the eye. It is continuous with the cornea at the front of the eye and the dura mater of the brain at the back.

Question 12: How do you describe Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral approach, single interspace, each additional interspace?

22612
22612 – 59
22614 – 50
22614 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 22614

CPT code 22614 is an add-on code for 'Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).' This code is specifically used to report each additional interspace fused beyond the initial one. It is not reported with modifiers like -59 or -50 unless specific circumstances warrant them, which are not indicated here.

Question 13: A medical professional is dealing with a patient who requires an extracranial facial nerve suture. The procedure, however, must be done with the help of an operating microscope. How should the doctor document this operation?

64854 and 64872
64864
64864 and 69990 (Correct answer)
None of the above

Correct answer: 64864 and 69990

CPT code 64864 describes 'Suture of facial nerve; extracranial.' This code covers the primary procedure of suturing the facial nerve. Additionally, CPT code 69990 is an add-on code for 'Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).' Since the procedure was performed with the aid of an operating microscope, both codes are necessary to accurately report the services provided.

Question 14: Interprofessional telephone/Internet/electronic health record examination and management offered by a consultative physician, including a verbal and written report to the patient's treating/requesting physician or other qualified health care professional; 11–20 minutes of medical consultative conversation and review. Which scenario calls for the use of 99447?

Established Patient
New Patient
A patient seen 3 years ago
A and B (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A and B

CPT code 99447 describes an interprofessional consultation service where a consultative physician provides advice to a patient's treating/requesting physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This service is indirect, meaning the consultative physician does not directly interact with the patient. Therefore, the patient's status (whether new or established with the consultative physician) is irrelevant for reporting this code, making it applicable to both new and established patients.

Question 15: When doing percutaneous image-guided neuromodulation or intravertebral treatments (e.g., kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty) on the spine or spinal cord; lumbar, which anesthetic code is reported?

1940
1938
1942 (Correct answer)
1941

Correct answer: 1942

The procedure described, percutaneous image-guided neuromodulation or intravertebral treatments (like kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty) on the lumbar spine, falls under the category of extensive spinal procedures. In the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) coding system, these types of procedures are typically cross-referenced to ASA code 00670. CPT code 1942 is the corresponding anesthesia code for ASA 00670, which covers anesthesia for extensive spinal procedures.

Question 16: All workers must submit to random drug testing in order to remain employed by an employer. The employer demands that the drug testing company conduct a drug test to detect the illegal use of seven analytes. Which CPT is applicable?

80376
80376 – 25
80375
None of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: None of the above

CPT codes 80375 and 80376 are used for drug tests performed for medical purposes, such as diagnosis, treatment monitoring, or screening for medical conditions. Drug testing conducted solely for employment purposes, as mandated by an employer and not for a medical diagnosis or treatment of the individual, is generally not considered a medical service billable with CPT codes. Therefore, none of the provided CPT codes are applicable for employer-mandated drug testing.

Free Certified Professional Coder MCQ Questions and Answers

Which anesthesia code should be used when performing intravertebral procedures on the spine or spinal cord, including lumbar percutaneous image-guided neuromodulation or kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?