AAPC CPC EXAMS PRACTICE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Questions with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: What is NOT included in CPT® surgical package?
A. Typical postoperative follow-up care
B. One related Evaluation and Management service on the same date of the procedure
C. Returning to the operating room the next day for a complication resulting from the initial procedure
D. Evaluating the patient in the post-anesthesia recovery area.
Answer: C. Returning to the operating room the next day for a complication resulting from the initial
procedure
Question 2: Which statement is TRUE about reporting codes for diabetes mellitus?
A. If the type of diabetes mellitus is not documented in the medical record the default type is E11.- Type 2
diabetes mellitus.
B. When a patient uses insulin, Type 1 is always reported.
C. The age of the patient is a sole determining factor to report Type 1.
D. When assigning codes for diabetes and its associated condition(s), the code(s) from category E08-E13 are
not reported as a primary code.
Answer: A. If the type of diabetes mellitus is not documented in the medical record the default type is E11.-
Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Question 3: Which statement is TRUE for reporting external cause codes of morbidity (V00-Y99)?
A. All external cause codes do not require a seventh character.
B. Only report one external cause code to fully explain each cause.
C. Report code Y92.9 if the place of occurrence is not stated.
D. External cause codes should never be sequenced as a first-listed or primary code.
Answer: D. External cause codes should never be sequenced as a first-listed or primary code
Question 4: PRE OP DIAGNOSIS: Left Breast Abnormal MMG or Palpable Mass; Other Disorders of
Breast PROCEDURE: Automated Stereotactic Biopsy Left Breast FINDINGS: Lesion is located in the
lateral region, just at or below the level of the nipple on the 90 degree lateral view. There is a
subglandular implant in place. I discussed the procedure with the patient today including risks, benefits
and alternatives. Specifically discussed was the fact that the implant would be displaced out of the way
during this biopsy procedure. Possibility of injury to the implant was discussed with the patient. Patient
has signed the consent form and wishes to proceed with the biopsy. The patient was placed prone on the
stereotactic table; the left breast was then imaged from the inferior approach. The lesion of interest is
in the anterior portion of the breast away from the implant which was displaced back toward the chest
wall. After imaging was obt.
Answer: A. 19081
Page 1
,Question 5: A 53-year-old male is in the dermatologist's office for removal of 2 lesions located on his
lower lip and nose. Lesions were identified and marked. The lower lip lesion of 4 mm in size was shaved
to the level of the superficial dermis. Utilizing a 3-mm punch, a biopsy was taken of the left supratip
nasal area. What are the CPT® codes for these procedures?
A. 40490, 11104-59
B. 11310, 11104-59
C. 17000, 17003
D. 11440, 11105-59.
Answer: B. 11310, 11104-59
Question 6: A 76-year-old has dermatochalasis on bilateral upper eyelids. A blepharoplasty will be
performed on the eyelids. A lower incision line was marked at approximately 5 mm above the lid
margin along the crease. Then using a pinch test with forceps the amount of skin to be resected was
determined and marked. An elliptical incision was performed on the left eyelid and the skin was
excised. In a similar fashion the same procedure was performed on the right eye. The wounds were
closed with sutures. The correct CPT® code(s) is/are?
A. 15822, 15823-51
B. 15823-50
C. 15822-50
D. 15820-LT, 15820-RT.
Answer: C. 15822-50
Question 7: A 42-year-old male has a frozen left shoulder. An arthroscope was inserted in the posterior
portal in the glenohumeral joint. The articular cartilage was normal except for some minimal grade
III-IV changes, about 5% of the humerus just adjacent to the rotator cuff insertion of the
supraspinatus. The biceps was inflamed, not torn at all. The superior labrum was not torn at all, the
labrum was completely intact. The rotator cuff was completely intact. An anterior portal was
established high in the rotator interval. The rotator interval was very thick and contracted. Adhesions
were destroyed with electrocautery and the Bovie. The superior glenohumeral ligament, the middle
glenohumeral ligament and the tendinous portion of the subscapularis were released. The arthroscope
was placed anteriorly, adhesions were destroyed and the shaver was used to debride some of the
posterior capsule and the posterior capsule was released.
Answer: D. 29825-LT
Page 2
,Question 8: After adequate anesthesia was obtained the patient was turned prone in a kneeling position
on the spinal table. A lower midline lumbar incision was made and the soft tissues divided down to the
spinous processes. The soft tissues were stripped away from the lamina down to the facets and
discectomies and laminectomies were then carried out at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. Interbody fusions were
set up for the lower three levels using the Danek allografts and augmented with structural autogenous
bone from the iliac crest. The posterior instrumentation of a 5.5 mm diameter titanium rod was then
cut to the appropriate length and bent to confirm to the normal lordotic curve. It was then slid
immediately onto the bone screws and at each level compression was carried out as each of the two
bolts were tightened so that the interbody fusions would be snug and as tight as possible. Select the
appropriate CPT® codes for this visit? A.
Answer:
1. C. 22630
2. 22632 x 2
3. 22842
4. 20938
5. 20930
Question 9: PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Displaced impacted Colles fracture, left distal radius and
ulna. POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Displaced impacted Colles fracture, left distal radius and ulna.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: Reduction with application of an external fixation system, left wrist
fracture FINDINGS: The patient is a 46 year-old right-hand-dominant female who fell off stairs 4 to 5
days ago sustaining an impacted distal radius fracture with possible intraarticular component and an
associated ulnar styloid fracture. Today in surgery, fracture was reduced anatomically and an external
fixation system was applied. PROCEDURE: Under satisfactory general anesthesia, the fracture was
manipulated and C-arm images were checked. The left upper extremity was prepped and draped in the
usual sterile orthopedic fashion. Two small incisions were made over the second metacarpal and after
removing soft tissues including tendinous structures out of.
Answer: B. 25605- LT, 20690- 51
Question 10: A 79-year-old male with symptomatic bradycardia and syncope is taken to the Operating
Suite where an insertion of a DDD pacemaker will be performed. After the anesthesiologist provided
moderate sedation, the cardiologist performed a left subclavian venipuncture was carried out. A guide
wire was passed through the needle, and the needle was withdrawn. A second subclavian venipuncture
was performed, a second guide wire was passed and the second needle was withdrawn. An oblique
incision in the deltopectoral area incorporating the wire exit sites. A subcutaneous pocket was created
with the cautery on the pectoralis fascia. An introducer dilator was passed over the first wire and the
wire and dilator were withdrawn. A ventricular lead was passed through the introducer, and the
introducer was broken away in the routine fashion. A second introducer dilator was passed over the
second guide wire and the wire and dilator were.
Answer: A. 33208
Page 3
, Question 11: Patient has lung cancer in his upper right and middle lobes. Patient is in the operating
suite to have a video-assisted thorascopy surgery (VATS). A 10-mm-zero-degree thoracoscope is
inserted in the right pleural cavity through a port site placed in the ninth and seventh intercostal
spaces. Lung was deflated. The tumor is in the right pleural. Both lobes were removed thorascopically.
Port site closed. A chest tube was placed to suction and patient was sent to recovery in stable condition.
Which CPT® code is reported for this procedure?
A. 32482
B. 32484
C. 32670
D. 32671.
Answer: C. 32670
Question 12: The patient is a 58-year-old white male, one month status post pneumonectomy. He had a
post pneumonectomy empyema treated with a tunneled cuffed pleural catheter which has been
draining the cavity for one month with clear drainage. He has had no evidence of a block or pleural
fistula. Therefore a planned return to surgery results in the removal of the catheter. The correct CPT®
code is:
A. 32440-78
B. 32035-58
C. 32036-79
D. 32552-58.
Answer: D. 32552-58
Question 13: This 67-year-old man presented with a history of progressive shortness of breath. He has
had a diagnosis of a secundum atrioseptal defect for several years, and has had atrial fibrillation
intermittently over this period of time. He was in atrial fibrillation when he came to the operating
room, and with the patient cannulated and on bypass, The right atrium was then opened. A large 3 x 5
cm defect was noted at fossa ovalis, and this also included a second hole in the same general area. Both
of these holes were closed with a single pericardial patch. What CPT® and ICD-10-CM codes are
reported?
A. 33675, Q21.0
B. 33647, Q21.1, R06.02
C. 33645, Q21.2, R06.02
D. 33641, Q21.1.
Answer: D. 33641, Q21.1
Page 4
Questions with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: What is NOT included in CPT® surgical package?
A. Typical postoperative follow-up care
B. One related Evaluation and Management service on the same date of the procedure
C. Returning to the operating room the next day for a complication resulting from the initial procedure
D. Evaluating the patient in the post-anesthesia recovery area.
Answer: C. Returning to the operating room the next day for a complication resulting from the initial
procedure
Question 2: Which statement is TRUE about reporting codes for diabetes mellitus?
A. If the type of diabetes mellitus is not documented in the medical record the default type is E11.- Type 2
diabetes mellitus.
B. When a patient uses insulin, Type 1 is always reported.
C. The age of the patient is a sole determining factor to report Type 1.
D. When assigning codes for diabetes and its associated condition(s), the code(s) from category E08-E13 are
not reported as a primary code.
Answer: A. If the type of diabetes mellitus is not documented in the medical record the default type is E11.-
Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Question 3: Which statement is TRUE for reporting external cause codes of morbidity (V00-Y99)?
A. All external cause codes do not require a seventh character.
B. Only report one external cause code to fully explain each cause.
C. Report code Y92.9 if the place of occurrence is not stated.
D. External cause codes should never be sequenced as a first-listed or primary code.
Answer: D. External cause codes should never be sequenced as a first-listed or primary code
Question 4: PRE OP DIAGNOSIS: Left Breast Abnormal MMG or Palpable Mass; Other Disorders of
Breast PROCEDURE: Automated Stereotactic Biopsy Left Breast FINDINGS: Lesion is located in the
lateral region, just at or below the level of the nipple on the 90 degree lateral view. There is a
subglandular implant in place. I discussed the procedure with the patient today including risks, benefits
and alternatives. Specifically discussed was the fact that the implant would be displaced out of the way
during this biopsy procedure. Possibility of injury to the implant was discussed with the patient. Patient
has signed the consent form and wishes to proceed with the biopsy. The patient was placed prone on the
stereotactic table; the left breast was then imaged from the inferior approach. The lesion of interest is
in the anterior portion of the breast away from the implant which was displaced back toward the chest
wall. After imaging was obt.
Answer: A. 19081
Page 1
,Question 5: A 53-year-old male is in the dermatologist's office for removal of 2 lesions located on his
lower lip and nose. Lesions were identified and marked. The lower lip lesion of 4 mm in size was shaved
to the level of the superficial dermis. Utilizing a 3-mm punch, a biopsy was taken of the left supratip
nasal area. What are the CPT® codes for these procedures?
A. 40490, 11104-59
B. 11310, 11104-59
C. 17000, 17003
D. 11440, 11105-59.
Answer: B. 11310, 11104-59
Question 6: A 76-year-old has dermatochalasis on bilateral upper eyelids. A blepharoplasty will be
performed on the eyelids. A lower incision line was marked at approximately 5 mm above the lid
margin along the crease. Then using a pinch test with forceps the amount of skin to be resected was
determined and marked. An elliptical incision was performed on the left eyelid and the skin was
excised. In a similar fashion the same procedure was performed on the right eye. The wounds were
closed with sutures. The correct CPT® code(s) is/are?
A. 15822, 15823-51
B. 15823-50
C. 15822-50
D. 15820-LT, 15820-RT.
Answer: C. 15822-50
Question 7: A 42-year-old male has a frozen left shoulder. An arthroscope was inserted in the posterior
portal in the glenohumeral joint. The articular cartilage was normal except for some minimal grade
III-IV changes, about 5% of the humerus just adjacent to the rotator cuff insertion of the
supraspinatus. The biceps was inflamed, not torn at all. The superior labrum was not torn at all, the
labrum was completely intact. The rotator cuff was completely intact. An anterior portal was
established high in the rotator interval. The rotator interval was very thick and contracted. Adhesions
were destroyed with electrocautery and the Bovie. The superior glenohumeral ligament, the middle
glenohumeral ligament and the tendinous portion of the subscapularis were released. The arthroscope
was placed anteriorly, adhesions were destroyed and the shaver was used to debride some of the
posterior capsule and the posterior capsule was released.
Answer: D. 29825-LT
Page 2
,Question 8: After adequate anesthesia was obtained the patient was turned prone in a kneeling position
on the spinal table. A lower midline lumbar incision was made and the soft tissues divided down to the
spinous processes. The soft tissues were stripped away from the lamina down to the facets and
discectomies and laminectomies were then carried out at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. Interbody fusions were
set up for the lower three levels using the Danek allografts and augmented with structural autogenous
bone from the iliac crest. The posterior instrumentation of a 5.5 mm diameter titanium rod was then
cut to the appropriate length and bent to confirm to the normal lordotic curve. It was then slid
immediately onto the bone screws and at each level compression was carried out as each of the two
bolts were tightened so that the interbody fusions would be snug and as tight as possible. Select the
appropriate CPT® codes for this visit? A.
Answer:
1. C. 22630
2. 22632 x 2
3. 22842
4. 20938
5. 20930
Question 9: PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Displaced impacted Colles fracture, left distal radius and
ulna. POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Displaced impacted Colles fracture, left distal radius and ulna.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: Reduction with application of an external fixation system, left wrist
fracture FINDINGS: The patient is a 46 year-old right-hand-dominant female who fell off stairs 4 to 5
days ago sustaining an impacted distal radius fracture with possible intraarticular component and an
associated ulnar styloid fracture. Today in surgery, fracture was reduced anatomically and an external
fixation system was applied. PROCEDURE: Under satisfactory general anesthesia, the fracture was
manipulated and C-arm images were checked. The left upper extremity was prepped and draped in the
usual sterile orthopedic fashion. Two small incisions were made over the second metacarpal and after
removing soft tissues including tendinous structures out of.
Answer: B. 25605- LT, 20690- 51
Question 10: A 79-year-old male with symptomatic bradycardia and syncope is taken to the Operating
Suite where an insertion of a DDD pacemaker will be performed. After the anesthesiologist provided
moderate sedation, the cardiologist performed a left subclavian venipuncture was carried out. A guide
wire was passed through the needle, and the needle was withdrawn. A second subclavian venipuncture
was performed, a second guide wire was passed and the second needle was withdrawn. An oblique
incision in the deltopectoral area incorporating the wire exit sites. A subcutaneous pocket was created
with the cautery on the pectoralis fascia. An introducer dilator was passed over the first wire and the
wire and dilator were withdrawn. A ventricular lead was passed through the introducer, and the
introducer was broken away in the routine fashion. A second introducer dilator was passed over the
second guide wire and the wire and dilator were.
Answer: A. 33208
Page 3
, Question 11: Patient has lung cancer in his upper right and middle lobes. Patient is in the operating
suite to have a video-assisted thorascopy surgery (VATS). A 10-mm-zero-degree thoracoscope is
inserted in the right pleural cavity through a port site placed in the ninth and seventh intercostal
spaces. Lung was deflated. The tumor is in the right pleural. Both lobes were removed thorascopically.
Port site closed. A chest tube was placed to suction and patient was sent to recovery in stable condition.
Which CPT® code is reported for this procedure?
A. 32482
B. 32484
C. 32670
D. 32671.
Answer: C. 32670
Question 12: The patient is a 58-year-old white male, one month status post pneumonectomy. He had a
post pneumonectomy empyema treated with a tunneled cuffed pleural catheter which has been
draining the cavity for one month with clear drainage. He has had no evidence of a block or pleural
fistula. Therefore a planned return to surgery results in the removal of the catheter. The correct CPT®
code is:
A. 32440-78
B. 32035-58
C. 32036-79
D. 32552-58.
Answer: D. 32552-58
Question 13: This 67-year-old man presented with a history of progressive shortness of breath. He has
had a diagnosis of a secundum atrioseptal defect for several years, and has had atrial fibrillation
intermittently over this period of time. He was in atrial fibrillation when he came to the operating
room, and with the patient cannulated and on bypass, The right atrium was then opened. A large 3 x 5
cm defect was noted at fossa ovalis, and this also included a second hole in the same general area. Both
of these holes were closed with a single pericardial patch. What CPT® and ICD-10-CM codes are
reported?
A. 33675, Q21.0
B. 33647, Q21.1, R06.02
C. 33645, Q21.2, R06.02
D. 33641, Q21.1.
Answer: D. 33641, Q21.1
Page 4
