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NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified
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Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology for Coding
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding
CPT and HCPCS Procedure Coding
Claims Processing, Billing, and Reimbursement
Compliance, HIPAA, and Health Information Management
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
,NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 2
Section 1: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology for Coding
Q1
A medical coder reviews a progress note documenting osteoarthritis of the left knee. The physician also wrote DJD. Which action
correctly resolves the abbreviation for coding purposes?
A. Query the provider to confirm DJD means degenerative joint disease and code the left knee site
B. Code both osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease as separate diagnoses
C. Ignore the abbreviation because it is not an official ICD-10 term
D. Assign a code for arthritis, unspecified, until further documentation arrives
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
DJD is commonly understood as degenerative joint disease, synonymous with osteoarthritis. Best practice requires confirmation when ambiguity exists,
then coding the specific site. Coding both would be incorrect duplication.
Q2
During chart review, a coder finds the term myocardial infarction documented without laterality or episode of care. The patient was
admitted three weeks after the initial event for continued management. Which coding concept must be applied?
A. Use the appropriate subsequent episode code after clarifying acuity
B. Default to an unspecified acute myocardial infarction code
C. Code only the residual heart failure if present
D. Assign a personal history of myocardial infarction code only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Episode of care is critical for MI coding. After the acute window, subsequent codes apply. Unspecified or history codes are incorrect when active
management continues.
Q3
A patient presents with hyperglycemia secondary to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The note lists both terms. How should the coder
sequence the diagnoses?
A. Code type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia as the combination code that captures both
B. Code hyperglycemia as primary and diabetes as secondary
C. Code diabetes mellitus without complication and ignore hyperglycemia
D. Query whether hyperglycemia is a separate acute condition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
ICD-10-CM provides combination codes for diabetes with hyperglycemia. Using the combination code is required rather than separate codes or omitting
the manifestation.
Q4
The operative report describes cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. Which root operation knowledge is essential for
accurate PCS coding if this were an inpatient case?
A. Excision or resection of the gallbladder plus inspection or imaging of the biliary ducts
B. Only the gallbladder removal; the cholangiogram is always incidental
C. Bypass of the biliary system combined with excision
D. Release of adhesions around the gallbladder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Cholecystectomy is resection or excision of the gallbladder; intraoperative cholangiogram is a separate diagnostic imaging of ducts and must be
considered for complete coding.
Q5
A coder encounters the term nephropathy in a patient with long-standing diabetes. No further detail is given. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Query the provider for the specific type of nephropathy and its relationship to diabetes
B. Code chronic kidney disease, unspecified, and diabetes separately
C. Assume diabetic nephropathy and assign the combination code
D. Code only diabetes without complication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Specificity and causal relationship must be clear. Querying ensures the correct combination or separate codes are used and avoids assumption.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 2
,NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 3
Q6
In a discharge summary the physician writes patient has COPD with acute exacerbation. Which pathophysiologic understanding
guides correct coding?
A. Acute exacerbation of COPD is a specific code that captures the worsening of chronic obstructive disease
B. Code only the underlying emphysema or chronic bronchitis
C. Code acute respiratory failure as the principal diagnosis automatically
D. Use a nonspecific lower respiratory infection code
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
COPD with acute exacerbation has dedicated ICD-10-CM codes. Coding only the chronic component or defaulting to respiratory failure is incorrect
without supporting documentation.
Q7
A progress note states left-sided hemiparesis residual from prior CVA. The coder must determine laterality and residual effect. Which
principle applies?
A. Code the residual hemiparesis with the appropriate laterality and history of CVA if required
B. Code an acute stroke because hemiparesis is still present
C. Code only personal history of cerebrovascular disease
D. Omit laterality because it is not required for residuals
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Residuals of CVA are coded with the residual deficit and laterality. Acute stroke codes are used only for the acute event, not residual deficits.
Q8
The term sepsis appears in an admission note along with urosepsis. Which coding guideline must the coder follow?
A. Urosepsis is nonspecific; query for the presence of sepsis versus urinary tract infection with sepsis
B. Code urosepsis as a unique diagnosis code
C. Always code sepsis as principal when the word appears
D. Code only the urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Urosepsis is not a definitive term in ICD-10-CM. Coding guidelines require clarification whether true sepsis or UTI is present.
Q9
A pathology report returns invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast, ER positive. The surgeon performed a lumpectomy. Which
elements are essential for complete diagnosis coding?
A. Primary malignancy of breast with laterality plus any hormone receptor status if required by payer or registry rules
B. Code only the procedure and omit the histology
C. Use a carcinoma in situ code because margins were clear
D. Code a personal history of breast cancer immediately after surgery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Malignancy coding requires site, laterality, and behavior. Hormone receptor status may be needed for certain reporting. History codes are used after
treatment is complete.
Q10
A patient is documented with essential hypertension and stage 3 chronic kidney disease. How should these be coded under current
guidelines?
A. Use the combination code for hypertensive chronic kidney disease with the appropriate CKD stage
B. Code hypertension and CKD as two unrelated conditions
C. Code only the CKD because it is more severe
D. Code hypertension as secondary to CKD
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Hypertensive chronic kidney disease has combination codes that include both conditions and the CKD stage. Separate coding is incorrect when the
guideline applies.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 3
, NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 4
Q11
A laboratory report confirms elevated TSH with low free T4 in a patient with fatigue and weight gain. Which endocrine diagnosis coding
approach is correct? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assign the most specific combination code supported by documentation and guidelines
B. Code each condition separately without linkage
C. Use an unspecified code until more information arrives
D. Omit secondary conditions to simplify the claim
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Accurate coding requires adherence to ICD-10-CM guidelines for specificity, combination codes, and causal relationships. The distractors either omit
required detail or violate sequencing rules.
Q12
During abstracting, a coder sees GERD with esophagitis documented. Which anatomic understanding confirms the correct code
assignment? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assume the most severe interpretation
B. Query the provider for missing specificity before final coding
C. Code only the principal symptom
D. Default to a history code
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Documentation must support every code. Querying or selecting the guideline-directed combination prevents undercoding and overcoding. Incorrect
options introduce compliance or accuracy risk.
Q13
A physician documents patient has a history of tobacco dependence and is currently smoking. Which status must be captured? Select
the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Code bilateral by default
B. Ignore laterality because it does not affect payment
C. Apply the official guideline for combination coding and laterality
D. Use the unspecified laterality option always
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Laterality, acuity, and episode of care characters are mandatory when the classification provides them. Omitting these details reduces data quality and
may affect reimbursement integrity.
Q14
The note states acute on chronic systolic heart failure. Which coding concept is most important? Select the most accurate coding
action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Use an unspecified acuity code
B. Code only the chronic condition
C. Code only the acute condition
D. Capture both the acute and chronic components when documented together
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Pathophysiology knowledge helps the coder recognize when combination codes or additional status codes are required. The wrong answers typically
ignore a documented relationship or acuity.
Q15
A coder reviews a note containing deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity. The patient is on anticoagulation. What additional
detail improves code specificity? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assign the most specific combination code supported by documentation and guidelines
B. Code each condition separately without linkage
C. Use an unspecified code until more information arrives
D. Omit secondary conditions to simplify the claim
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Accurate coding requires adherence to ICD-10-CM guidelines for specificity, combination codes, and causal relationships. The distractors either omit
required detail or violate sequencing rules.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 4
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified
Answers (2026/2027) 100% Guarantee Pass 2026/2027
A+
Complete Blueprint Coverage
A+ 5 100%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED CORE DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology for Coding
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding
CPT and HCPCS Procedure Coding
Claims Processing, Billing, and Reimbursement
Compliance, HIPAA, and Health Information Management
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
,NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 2
Section 1: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology for Coding
Q1
A medical coder reviews a progress note documenting osteoarthritis of the left knee. The physician also wrote DJD. Which action
correctly resolves the abbreviation for coding purposes?
A. Query the provider to confirm DJD means degenerative joint disease and code the left knee site
B. Code both osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease as separate diagnoses
C. Ignore the abbreviation because it is not an official ICD-10 term
D. Assign a code for arthritis, unspecified, until further documentation arrives
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
DJD is commonly understood as degenerative joint disease, synonymous with osteoarthritis. Best practice requires confirmation when ambiguity exists,
then coding the specific site. Coding both would be incorrect duplication.
Q2
During chart review, a coder finds the term myocardial infarction documented without laterality or episode of care. The patient was
admitted three weeks after the initial event for continued management. Which coding concept must be applied?
A. Use the appropriate subsequent episode code after clarifying acuity
B. Default to an unspecified acute myocardial infarction code
C. Code only the residual heart failure if present
D. Assign a personal history of myocardial infarction code only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Episode of care is critical for MI coding. After the acute window, subsequent codes apply. Unspecified or history codes are incorrect when active
management continues.
Q3
A patient presents with hyperglycemia secondary to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The note lists both terms. How should the coder
sequence the diagnoses?
A. Code type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia as the combination code that captures both
B. Code hyperglycemia as primary and diabetes as secondary
C. Code diabetes mellitus without complication and ignore hyperglycemia
D. Query whether hyperglycemia is a separate acute condition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
ICD-10-CM provides combination codes for diabetes with hyperglycemia. Using the combination code is required rather than separate codes or omitting
the manifestation.
Q4
The operative report describes cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. Which root operation knowledge is essential for
accurate PCS coding if this were an inpatient case?
A. Excision or resection of the gallbladder plus inspection or imaging of the biliary ducts
B. Only the gallbladder removal; the cholangiogram is always incidental
C. Bypass of the biliary system combined with excision
D. Release of adhesions around the gallbladder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Cholecystectomy is resection or excision of the gallbladder; intraoperative cholangiogram is a separate diagnostic imaging of ducts and must be
considered for complete coding.
Q5
A coder encounters the term nephropathy in a patient with long-standing diabetes. No further detail is given. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Query the provider for the specific type of nephropathy and its relationship to diabetes
B. Code chronic kidney disease, unspecified, and diabetes separately
C. Assume diabetic nephropathy and assign the combination code
D. Code only diabetes without complication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Specificity and causal relationship must be clear. Querying ensures the correct combination or separate codes are used and avoids assumption.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 2
,NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 3
Q6
In a discharge summary the physician writes patient has COPD with acute exacerbation. Which pathophysiologic understanding
guides correct coding?
A. Acute exacerbation of COPD is a specific code that captures the worsening of chronic obstructive disease
B. Code only the underlying emphysema or chronic bronchitis
C. Code acute respiratory failure as the principal diagnosis automatically
D. Use a nonspecific lower respiratory infection code
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
COPD with acute exacerbation has dedicated ICD-10-CM codes. Coding only the chronic component or defaulting to respiratory failure is incorrect
without supporting documentation.
Q7
A progress note states left-sided hemiparesis residual from prior CVA. The coder must determine laterality and residual effect. Which
principle applies?
A. Code the residual hemiparesis with the appropriate laterality and history of CVA if required
B. Code an acute stroke because hemiparesis is still present
C. Code only personal history of cerebrovascular disease
D. Omit laterality because it is not required for residuals
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Residuals of CVA are coded with the residual deficit and laterality. Acute stroke codes are used only for the acute event, not residual deficits.
Q8
The term sepsis appears in an admission note along with urosepsis. Which coding guideline must the coder follow?
A. Urosepsis is nonspecific; query for the presence of sepsis versus urinary tract infection with sepsis
B. Code urosepsis as a unique diagnosis code
C. Always code sepsis as principal when the word appears
D. Code only the urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Urosepsis is not a definitive term in ICD-10-CM. Coding guidelines require clarification whether true sepsis or UTI is present.
Q9
A pathology report returns invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast, ER positive. The surgeon performed a lumpectomy. Which
elements are essential for complete diagnosis coding?
A. Primary malignancy of breast with laterality plus any hormone receptor status if required by payer or registry rules
B. Code only the procedure and omit the histology
C. Use a carcinoma in situ code because margins were clear
D. Code a personal history of breast cancer immediately after surgery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Malignancy coding requires site, laterality, and behavior. Hormone receptor status may be needed for certain reporting. History codes are used after
treatment is complete.
Q10
A patient is documented with essential hypertension and stage 3 chronic kidney disease. How should these be coded under current
guidelines?
A. Use the combination code for hypertensive chronic kidney disease with the appropriate CKD stage
B. Code hypertension and CKD as two unrelated conditions
C. Code only the CKD because it is more severe
D. Code hypertension as secondary to CKD
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Hypertensive chronic kidney disease has combination codes that include both conditions and the CKD stage. Separate coding is incorrect when the
guideline applies.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 3
, NHA CBCS | 2026/2027 Page 4
Q11
A laboratory report confirms elevated TSH with low free T4 in a patient with fatigue and weight gain. Which endocrine diagnosis coding
approach is correct? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assign the most specific combination code supported by documentation and guidelines
B. Code each condition separately without linkage
C. Use an unspecified code until more information arrives
D. Omit secondary conditions to simplify the claim
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Accurate coding requires adherence to ICD-10-CM guidelines for specificity, combination codes, and causal relationships. The distractors either omit
required detail or violate sequencing rules.
Q12
During abstracting, a coder sees GERD with esophagitis documented. Which anatomic understanding confirms the correct code
assignment? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assume the most severe interpretation
B. Query the provider for missing specificity before final coding
C. Code only the principal symptom
D. Default to a history code
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Documentation must support every code. Querying or selecting the guideline-directed combination prevents undercoding and overcoding. Incorrect
options introduce compliance or accuracy risk.
Q13
A physician documents patient has a history of tobacco dependence and is currently smoking. Which status must be captured? Select
the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Code bilateral by default
B. Ignore laterality because it does not affect payment
C. Apply the official guideline for combination coding and laterality
D. Use the unspecified laterality option always
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Laterality, acuity, and episode of care characters are mandatory when the classification provides them. Omitting these details reduces data quality and
may affect reimbursement integrity.
Q14
The note states acute on chronic systolic heart failure. Which coding concept is most important? Select the most accurate coding
action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Use an unspecified acuity code
B. Code only the chronic condition
C. Code only the acute condition
D. Capture both the acute and chronic components when documented together
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Pathophysiology knowledge helps the coder recognize when combination codes or additional status codes are required. The wrong answers typically
ignore a documented relationship or acuity.
Q15
A coder reviews a note containing deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity. The patient is on anticoagulation. What additional
detail improves code specificity? Select the most accurate coding action based on documentation and guidelines.
A. Assign the most specific combination code supported by documentation and guidelines
B. Code each condition separately without linkage
C. Use an unspecified code until more information arrives
D. Omit secondary conditions to simplify the claim
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Accurate coding requires adherence to ICD-10-CM guidelines for specificity, combination codes, and causal relationships. The distractors either omit
required detail or violate sequencing rules.
NHA CBCS EXAM TEST BANK 400+ Questions and Verified Answers ... 4
