CPCA Surgical and Reconstructive Procedure Coding 3

Question 1

When no specific CPT code exists for a surgical procedure performed in an aesthetic practice, the coder should use:

Accepted Answer

An unlisted procedure code with supporting documentation

Answer

The closest numerically related CPT code

Answer

An E/M office visit code

Answer

A Category III CPT tracking code without documentation

Question 2

CPT add-on codes (identified with a '+' symbol) are used to:

Accepted Answer

Report additional intraoperative work performed alongside a primary procedure

Answer

Report a complication occurring during surgery

Answer

Indicate a new patient encounter

Answer

Replace an unlisted procedure code

Question 3

When a planned outpatient surgical procedure is discontinued after anesthesia has been administered but before the skin incision is made, which modifier is appended?

Accepted Answer

-74

Answer

-52

Answer

-53

Answer

-73

Question 4

In aesthetic coding, 'destruction' of a skin lesion differs from 'excision' primarily because destruction:

Accepted Answer

Ablates the lesion using chemical, thermal, laser, or electrical means without sending a specimen to pathology

Answer

Always produces a specimen for pathological examination

Answer

Requires closure of the wound with sutures

Answer

Is only applicable to malignant lesions

Question 5

Adjacent tissue transfer and rearrangement CPT codes (14000–14350) are selected based on:

Accepted Answer

The total area of the defect plus the flap design combined, and the anatomical location

Answer

The technique used and the surgeon's preference

Answer

The size of the primary defect alone and its anatomical location

Answer

Only the anatomical location of the defect

Question 6

Modifier -59 is applied in surgical coding to indicate:

Accepted Answer

A distinct procedural service not ordinarily reported together with another procedure on the same day

Answer

A bilateral procedure performed on both sides

Answer

A reduced or discontinued service

Answer

A procedure repeated by the same physician on the same day

Question 7

When the same surgeon performs a subsequent related procedure on a patient who is still within the global period of an initial procedure, which modifier is used?

Accepted Answer

-58

Answer

-52

Answer

-76

Answer

-79