AHIMA CCS EXAM 2026/2027 – CERTIFIED CODING SPECIALIST STUDY GUIDE,
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & TEST PREP
When assigning Diabetes Diagnosis remember what 2 things? - ANS ✔✔Review definition of 5th digits in
category;
Understand the difference between type 1 & 2 and the patho of each type.
When coding Respiratory what things should you look for? - ANS ✔✔Specific type of Pneu
Know criteria for recognizing gram negative and other types of pneu;
review the various types of COPD and how ACUTE exacerbation of each is coded. (AHA coding Clinic);
Review criteria for coding respiratory failure and when it is sequenced.
How do you code an excisional debridement? - ANS ✔✔Do not code it unless there is documention that
the excis debridement was performed. Check AHA CC.
When a dx of Gastrointestinal is aparent, what rule should you follow? - ANS ✔✔Use a combination
code whenever available that incorporates a hemorrhage and the specific disorder. Use the 578.x
category as an additional code when no combo code has been created or when the cause of the
hemorrhage is unknown.
Delivery and Pregnancy Dx - what digit is only used for a postpartum complication? - ANS ✔✔The 5th
digit of 4
What is the definition of a Normal Delivery? - ANS ✔✔Code 650; Delivery is entirely normal w/single
liveborn outcome; No postpartum complications, and any antepartum comp experienced during
pregnancy must have been resolved before the time of delivery.
What 3 codes do delivery patients always have to have? - ANS ✔✔Delivery Dx code (6xx)
Outcome of Delivery (V2x.xx)
Px code (73.59 if not other px was performed)
This type of Abortion occurs wo any instrument or chemical intervention. - ANS ✔✔Spontaneous (634)
This type of Abortion performed for either therapeutic or elective termination of pregnancy (elective
abortion, induced, artificial, termination of pregnancy) - ANS ✔✔Legally induced (635)
This type of Abortion is not performed in a accordance w/provisions of state law or not meeting
regulartory requirements . Performed outside of the hospital. - ANS ✔✔Illegally Induced (636)
This type of Abortion is one in which an elective abortion px has failed to evacuate or expel the fetus and
the patient is sitll pregnant. - ANS ✔✔Failed (638)
What is the 5th digit sub classification used for when coding an abortion? - ANS ✔✔To indicate whether
the abortion is complete or incomplete.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & TEST PREP
When assigning Diabetes Diagnosis remember what 2 things? - ANS ✔✔Review definition of 5th digits in
category;
Understand the difference between type 1 & 2 and the patho of each type.
When coding Respiratory what things should you look for? - ANS ✔✔Specific type of Pneu
Know criteria for recognizing gram negative and other types of pneu;
review the various types of COPD and how ACUTE exacerbation of each is coded. (AHA coding Clinic);
Review criteria for coding respiratory failure and when it is sequenced.
How do you code an excisional debridement? - ANS ✔✔Do not code it unless there is documention that
the excis debridement was performed. Check AHA CC.
When a dx of Gastrointestinal is aparent, what rule should you follow? - ANS ✔✔Use a combination
code whenever available that incorporates a hemorrhage and the specific disorder. Use the 578.x
category as an additional code when no combo code has been created or when the cause of the
hemorrhage is unknown.
Delivery and Pregnancy Dx - what digit is only used for a postpartum complication? - ANS ✔✔The 5th
digit of 4
What is the definition of a Normal Delivery? - ANS ✔✔Code 650; Delivery is entirely normal w/single
liveborn outcome; No postpartum complications, and any antepartum comp experienced during
pregnancy must have been resolved before the time of delivery.
What 3 codes do delivery patients always have to have? - ANS ✔✔Delivery Dx code (6xx)
Outcome of Delivery (V2x.xx)
Px code (73.59 if not other px was performed)
This type of Abortion occurs wo any instrument or chemical intervention. - ANS ✔✔Spontaneous (634)
This type of Abortion performed for either therapeutic or elective termination of pregnancy (elective
abortion, induced, artificial, termination of pregnancy) - ANS ✔✔Legally induced (635)
This type of Abortion is not performed in a accordance w/provisions of state law or not meeting
regulartory requirements . Performed outside of the hospital. - ANS ✔✔Illegally Induced (636)
This type of Abortion is one in which an elective abortion px has failed to evacuate or expel the fetus and
the patient is sitll pregnant. - ANS ✔✔Failed (638)
What is the 5th digit sub classification used for when coding an abortion? - ANS ✔✔To indicate whether
the abortion is complete or incomplete.
