AAPC CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
CODER (CPC) EXAM PRACTICE 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents for an initial office visit for evaluation of chronic lower back
pain. The physician performs a medically appropriate history and examination. The decision-
making involves a high level of complexity due to multiple comorbidities and the decision for
major surgery. What is the correct E/M code?
A. 99205
B. 99204
C. 99203
D. 99215
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For a new patient office visit (99202-99205), a high level of
MDM (Medical Decision Making) results in code 99205. Code 99215 is for established
patients.
,2. Which modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent
from other non-E/M services performed on the same day?
A. Modifier 25
B. Modifier 51
C. Modifier 57
D. Modifier 59
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than
E/M services, that are not normally reported together but are appropriate under the
circumstances.
3. A patient underwent a simple repair of a 2.5 cm laceration on the left arm and a simple
repair of a 3.0 cm laceration on the left leg. How should these be coded?
A. 12002
B. 12001, 12002-51
C. 12004
D. 12002, 12002-59
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: For CPT coding of simple repairs, the lengths of repairs from the
same anatomical grouping (arm and leg are both in the 12001-12007 group) are added
together. 2.5 cm + 3.0 cm = 5.5 cm. Code 12002 covers 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm.
4. According to ICD-10-CM guidelines, when a patient has both chronic kidney disease (CKD)
and hypertension, what is the coding assumption?
A. A cause-and-effect relationship must be documented by the physician.
B. There is no relationship assumed between these conditions.
C. A cause-and-effect relationship is assumed unless otherwise stated.
D. Hypertension is always coded as the secondary diagnosis.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ICD-10-CM guidelines state that the classification presumes a
causal relationship between hypertension and CKD (category I12).
5. A patient is diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction of the anterolateral wall. Four
weeks later, while still within the healing phase, the patient suffers a subsequent acute
myocardial infarction of the inferior wall. How should the second MI be coded?
A. I21.09
B. I22.1
C. I21.3
D. I25.2
CODER (CPC) EXAM PRACTICE 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents for an initial office visit for evaluation of chronic lower back
pain. The physician performs a medically appropriate history and examination. The decision-
making involves a high level of complexity due to multiple comorbidities and the decision for
major surgery. What is the correct E/M code?
A. 99205
B. 99204
C. 99203
D. 99215
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For a new patient office visit (99202-99205), a high level of
MDM (Medical Decision Making) results in code 99205. Code 99215 is for established
patients.
,2. Which modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent
from other non-E/M services performed on the same day?
A. Modifier 25
B. Modifier 51
C. Modifier 57
D. Modifier 59
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than
E/M services, that are not normally reported together but are appropriate under the
circumstances.
3. A patient underwent a simple repair of a 2.5 cm laceration on the left arm and a simple
repair of a 3.0 cm laceration on the left leg. How should these be coded?
A. 12002
B. 12001, 12002-51
C. 12004
D. 12002, 12002-59
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: For CPT coding of simple repairs, the lengths of repairs from the
same anatomical grouping (arm and leg are both in the 12001-12007 group) are added
together. 2.5 cm + 3.0 cm = 5.5 cm. Code 12002 covers 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm.
4. According to ICD-10-CM guidelines, when a patient has both chronic kidney disease (CKD)
and hypertension, what is the coding assumption?
A. A cause-and-effect relationship must be documented by the physician.
B. There is no relationship assumed between these conditions.
C. A cause-and-effect relationship is assumed unless otherwise stated.
D. Hypertension is always coded as the secondary diagnosis.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ICD-10-CM guidelines state that the classification presumes a
causal relationship between hypertension and CKD (category I12).
5. A patient is diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction of the anterolateral wall. Four
weeks later, while still within the healing phase, the patient suffers a subsequent acute
myocardial infarction of the inferior wall. How should the second MI be coded?
A. I21.09
B. I22.1
C. I21.3
D. I25.2
