OST-249: Medical Coding Prep - Mock
Exams with All Correct Answers 2026-
2027 Update.
Placement of ventilation tube, left ear, with local anesthesia - Answer 69433-LT
(Placement of a ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy (create an artificial opening), is
assigned 69433-LT when performed with local anesthesia only.)
Left renal stone was seen, which was right next to the stent placed previously. Stone was
targeted in both AP and lateral views. Starting at an energy of 2 Kv and going to 9 Kv, the stone
was fragmented utilizing ESWL. Additional 500 shocks were required for total pulverization of
the stone. - Answer 50590-LT
(Extracorpeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL was performed. Code as 50590-LT.)
Electrocardiogram, interpretation and report only - Answer 93010
(Code 93010 should be assigned for electrocardiogram when interpretation and report only is
performed.)
Laceration repairs as follows: 1.5 cm arm, simple; 2.5 cm arm, simple; 1.5 cm arm, intermediate
- Answer 12031, 12002-51
(Two simple repairs would be summed together; therefore, 1.5 arm and 2.5 arm for a total of
4.0 simple arm = 12002-51. A 1.5 cm intermediate repair of the arm would be assigned 12031.
An intermediate repair would be considered more significant and is, therefore, listed first.
Subsequent procedures on the skin during the same surgical session will need a modifier -51
appended.) WRONG
Tachycardia refers to - Answer rapid heartbeat.
Patient presents for follow-up for her hypertension. She is seen by another physician in the
same practice. BP, pulse, and temp are taken. Chest is clear. Cardiac normal sinus rhythm. There
are no new problems and her hypertension appears to be stable. MDM is straightforward. What
E/M service would be assigned? - Answer 99212
(Patient is here for follow-up; therefore, established visits 99212 or 99213 only would be
appropriate. Patient presents for hypertension and only the affected problem/area are
reviewed/examined, therefore, would be considered problem focused, 99212.)
In addition to the usual information submitted on each claim, what additional information must
be reported when submitting ancillary services? - Answer referring/requesting physician and
NPI number
,A 17-year-old presents for his initial visit with complaints of left knee pain after playing football.
An expanded problem-focused history and exam were performed with straightforward MDM. -
Answer 99202
(All three elements are met for 99202.)
Bilateral microscopic ear examination and removal of bilateral cerumen impactions. Utilizing the
ear speculum and surgical forceps, the external canal was cleared of impacted cerumen by
surgical forceps. - Answer 69210-50
(When surgical instrumentation is utilized to remove impacted cerumen, code 69210 is
assigned. Since this was performed bilaterally, assign 69210-50.)
Modifier -26 indicates - Answer codes in CPT for supervision/interpretation.
Patient admitted to observation care at 11:00 PM for chest pain. Detailed history,
comprehensive exam, and low MDM are performed. Patient is discharged at 11:00 AM the
following day. - Answer 99218, 99217
(As two different dates of service, two codes would be assigned. Observation limited by low
MDM to 99218 and observation discharge 99217.)
Cystoscopy was introduced into the bladder. Tumor measuring 2 cm was located on the bladder.
Using cutting current, this was resected and particles removed through the evacuator. Tumor
measuring 1 cm was located on the bladder base, which was also resected along with a third
tumor, 2 cm, located on the upper portion of the bladder. - Answer 52235
(CPT coding guidelines per CPT Assistant indicate the largest lesion only should be assigned,
therefore, 52235 should be assigned for the 2.0 cm lesion removed cystourethroscopically.)
WRONG
A superficial burn, characterized by pain, redness, and swelling is classified as a - Answer first-
degree burn
(First-degree is characterized by pain, redness, and swelling; second-degree involves blisters;
and third-degree involves full-thickness skin loss.)
Basic metabolic panel with ionized calcium - Answer 80047
(Code 80047 is assigned for basic metabolic profile ionized calcium.)
The diaphysis of a long bone is also referred to as the - Answer shaft
Anesthesia services for cardiac radiofrequency ablation, 63-year-old with severe atrial
fibrillation - Answer 00537-P3
,(Anesthesia code 00537 for intrathoracic procedures, radiofrequency ablation, and physical
status modifier -P3 as stated as severe systemic disease)
The old tracheostomy site was palpated for signs of a tracheal defect; none was noted. A
vertical incision was made through the old scar until the trachea was reached. There were
significant calcifications of the tracheal rings, making identification of the individual rings
difficult. A number 11 blade was used to create a vertical incision, and scar tissue over the
previous tracheostoma was excised until the endotracheal tube could be visualized. A number 8
nonfenestrated, cuffed tracheostomy tube was easily inserted into the tracheostomy. - Answer
31600
(Replaced tracheostomy tube. Not stated as emergency and, therefore, assumed planned, so
code 31600 is assigned.)
Which of the following situations could be considered upcoding?
A podiatrist performs simple nail clipping services but bills for foot surgery.
A provider bills for services as though a physician rendered them, even though there was no
physician involvement.
A provider bills Medicare for treating a patient with a more serious form of pneumonia than the
patient has.
All of those listed. - Answer All of those listed.
Anesthesia time is assigned in the days/units column in increments of - Answer 10 or 15
minutes depending on carrier.
CT brain is performed with and without contrast. - Answer 70470
(CT brain with and without contrast is assigned 70470 from Diagnostic Radiology, head/brain
section.)
CHF refers to - Answer congestive heart failure.
The three parts of the small intestine are - Answer the duodenum, the jejunum, and the
ileum.
(The small intestine consists of the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The colon is part of
the large intestine, the ischium is part of the pelvis, and the stomach is not considered part of
the small intestine.)
, CAD would be coded as - Answer I25.10
(Coronary artery disease is coded without angina unless specified otherwise codes to I25.10.)
Established patient presents for 3-year-old annual exam. Comprehensive history and exam and
moderate MDM were performed based on CPT guidelines. Appropriate anticipatory guidance
was provided during the encounter. Assign the appropriate E/M code(s) and modifier(s). -
Answer 99392
(Since the patient is established, a preventive medicine exam for a 3-year-old would be
appropriate, code 99392.)
Left heart catheterization with left ventriculogram and right coronary vessels to perform PTCA
right coronary and left circumflex. Intracoronary stent right coronary x2, left circumflex x1, left
descending vessel x1 - Answer 92928-RC, 92929-LC, 92929-LD
(As the left heart catheterization is the "approach" by which the interventional procedures are
performed, it would not be codeable. Therefore, 92928 is assigned for right coronary (only one
per vessel), 92929-LC for left circumflex, and 92929-LD for left descending.) WRONG
Renal ultrasound. Small area of echogenicity with shadowing in the midleft kidney that could
represent a small calculus. Exam of right kidney is negative. Urinary bladder is not visualized. -
Answer 76775
(Renal ultrasound assigned 76775. Considered limited abdominal retroperitoneal as not all
organs ordered or documented.)
The ilium, ischium, and pubis make up what bone? - Answer hip bone
A 7-year-old patient has a v-shaped laceration approximately 2.5 cm in length and a small one
about 0.5 cm on the right side of the hand. Lacerations are cleaned and closed with 4-0 Ethilon
sutures. - Answer 12002
(Both repairs/closures are considered simple complexity (as not stated otherwise). Therefore,
the repairs would be summed together (2.5 cm + 0.5 cm = 3.0 cm hand).) WRONG
Removal of impacted cerumen by surgical instrumentation - Answer 69210
(When impacted cerumen is removed by surgical instrumentation, code 69210 should be
assigned from the Ear, Removal External Ear section.)
Radiation treatment, two treatment areas, 20 MeV - Answer 77407
(Code 77407 assigned for radiation treatment to two treatment areas, 20 MeV from radiation
oncology section, radiation treatment category)
BMP with total calcium - Answer 80048
Exams with All Correct Answers 2026-
2027 Update.
Placement of ventilation tube, left ear, with local anesthesia - Answer 69433-LT
(Placement of a ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy (create an artificial opening), is
assigned 69433-LT when performed with local anesthesia only.)
Left renal stone was seen, which was right next to the stent placed previously. Stone was
targeted in both AP and lateral views. Starting at an energy of 2 Kv and going to 9 Kv, the stone
was fragmented utilizing ESWL. Additional 500 shocks were required for total pulverization of
the stone. - Answer 50590-LT
(Extracorpeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL was performed. Code as 50590-LT.)
Electrocardiogram, interpretation and report only - Answer 93010
(Code 93010 should be assigned for electrocardiogram when interpretation and report only is
performed.)
Laceration repairs as follows: 1.5 cm arm, simple; 2.5 cm arm, simple; 1.5 cm arm, intermediate
- Answer 12031, 12002-51
(Two simple repairs would be summed together; therefore, 1.5 arm and 2.5 arm for a total of
4.0 simple arm = 12002-51. A 1.5 cm intermediate repair of the arm would be assigned 12031.
An intermediate repair would be considered more significant and is, therefore, listed first.
Subsequent procedures on the skin during the same surgical session will need a modifier -51
appended.) WRONG
Tachycardia refers to - Answer rapid heartbeat.
Patient presents for follow-up for her hypertension. She is seen by another physician in the
same practice. BP, pulse, and temp are taken. Chest is clear. Cardiac normal sinus rhythm. There
are no new problems and her hypertension appears to be stable. MDM is straightforward. What
E/M service would be assigned? - Answer 99212
(Patient is here for follow-up; therefore, established visits 99212 or 99213 only would be
appropriate. Patient presents for hypertension and only the affected problem/area are
reviewed/examined, therefore, would be considered problem focused, 99212.)
In addition to the usual information submitted on each claim, what additional information must
be reported when submitting ancillary services? - Answer referring/requesting physician and
NPI number
,A 17-year-old presents for his initial visit with complaints of left knee pain after playing football.
An expanded problem-focused history and exam were performed with straightforward MDM. -
Answer 99202
(All three elements are met for 99202.)
Bilateral microscopic ear examination and removal of bilateral cerumen impactions. Utilizing the
ear speculum and surgical forceps, the external canal was cleared of impacted cerumen by
surgical forceps. - Answer 69210-50
(When surgical instrumentation is utilized to remove impacted cerumen, code 69210 is
assigned. Since this was performed bilaterally, assign 69210-50.)
Modifier -26 indicates - Answer codes in CPT for supervision/interpretation.
Patient admitted to observation care at 11:00 PM for chest pain. Detailed history,
comprehensive exam, and low MDM are performed. Patient is discharged at 11:00 AM the
following day. - Answer 99218, 99217
(As two different dates of service, two codes would be assigned. Observation limited by low
MDM to 99218 and observation discharge 99217.)
Cystoscopy was introduced into the bladder. Tumor measuring 2 cm was located on the bladder.
Using cutting current, this was resected and particles removed through the evacuator. Tumor
measuring 1 cm was located on the bladder base, which was also resected along with a third
tumor, 2 cm, located on the upper portion of the bladder. - Answer 52235
(CPT coding guidelines per CPT Assistant indicate the largest lesion only should be assigned,
therefore, 52235 should be assigned for the 2.0 cm lesion removed cystourethroscopically.)
WRONG
A superficial burn, characterized by pain, redness, and swelling is classified as a - Answer first-
degree burn
(First-degree is characterized by pain, redness, and swelling; second-degree involves blisters;
and third-degree involves full-thickness skin loss.)
Basic metabolic panel with ionized calcium - Answer 80047
(Code 80047 is assigned for basic metabolic profile ionized calcium.)
The diaphysis of a long bone is also referred to as the - Answer shaft
Anesthesia services for cardiac radiofrequency ablation, 63-year-old with severe atrial
fibrillation - Answer 00537-P3
,(Anesthesia code 00537 for intrathoracic procedures, radiofrequency ablation, and physical
status modifier -P3 as stated as severe systemic disease)
The old tracheostomy site was palpated for signs of a tracheal defect; none was noted. A
vertical incision was made through the old scar until the trachea was reached. There were
significant calcifications of the tracheal rings, making identification of the individual rings
difficult. A number 11 blade was used to create a vertical incision, and scar tissue over the
previous tracheostoma was excised until the endotracheal tube could be visualized. A number 8
nonfenestrated, cuffed tracheostomy tube was easily inserted into the tracheostomy. - Answer
31600
(Replaced tracheostomy tube. Not stated as emergency and, therefore, assumed planned, so
code 31600 is assigned.)
Which of the following situations could be considered upcoding?
A podiatrist performs simple nail clipping services but bills for foot surgery.
A provider bills for services as though a physician rendered them, even though there was no
physician involvement.
A provider bills Medicare for treating a patient with a more serious form of pneumonia than the
patient has.
All of those listed. - Answer All of those listed.
Anesthesia time is assigned in the days/units column in increments of - Answer 10 or 15
minutes depending on carrier.
CT brain is performed with and without contrast. - Answer 70470
(CT brain with and without contrast is assigned 70470 from Diagnostic Radiology, head/brain
section.)
CHF refers to - Answer congestive heart failure.
The three parts of the small intestine are - Answer the duodenum, the jejunum, and the
ileum.
(The small intestine consists of the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The colon is part of
the large intestine, the ischium is part of the pelvis, and the stomach is not considered part of
the small intestine.)
, CAD would be coded as - Answer I25.10
(Coronary artery disease is coded without angina unless specified otherwise codes to I25.10.)
Established patient presents for 3-year-old annual exam. Comprehensive history and exam and
moderate MDM were performed based on CPT guidelines. Appropriate anticipatory guidance
was provided during the encounter. Assign the appropriate E/M code(s) and modifier(s). -
Answer 99392
(Since the patient is established, a preventive medicine exam for a 3-year-old would be
appropriate, code 99392.)
Left heart catheterization with left ventriculogram and right coronary vessels to perform PTCA
right coronary and left circumflex. Intracoronary stent right coronary x2, left circumflex x1, left
descending vessel x1 - Answer 92928-RC, 92929-LC, 92929-LD
(As the left heart catheterization is the "approach" by which the interventional procedures are
performed, it would not be codeable. Therefore, 92928 is assigned for right coronary (only one
per vessel), 92929-LC for left circumflex, and 92929-LD for left descending.) WRONG
Renal ultrasound. Small area of echogenicity with shadowing in the midleft kidney that could
represent a small calculus. Exam of right kidney is negative. Urinary bladder is not visualized. -
Answer 76775
(Renal ultrasound assigned 76775. Considered limited abdominal retroperitoneal as not all
organs ordered or documented.)
The ilium, ischium, and pubis make up what bone? - Answer hip bone
A 7-year-old patient has a v-shaped laceration approximately 2.5 cm in length and a small one
about 0.5 cm on the right side of the hand. Lacerations are cleaned and closed with 4-0 Ethilon
sutures. - Answer 12002
(Both repairs/closures are considered simple complexity (as not stated otherwise). Therefore,
the repairs would be summed together (2.5 cm + 0.5 cm = 3.0 cm hand).) WRONG
Removal of impacted cerumen by surgical instrumentation - Answer 69210
(When impacted cerumen is removed by surgical instrumentation, code 69210 should be
assigned from the Ear, Removal External Ear section.)
Radiation treatment, two treatment areas, 20 MeV - Answer 77407
(Code 77407 assigned for radiation treatment to two treatment areas, 20 MeV from radiation
oncology section, radiation treatment category)
BMP with total calcium - Answer 80048
