AAPC CPC Practice Questions
1. C. 11626, 12044-51: A 46-year-old female had a previous biopsy that indicated
positive malignant margins anteriorly on the right side of her neck. A 0.5 cm
margin was drawn out and a 15 blade scalpel was used for full excision of an 8
cm lesion. Layered closure was performed after the removal. The specimen was
sent for permanent histopathologic examination. What are the CPT code(s) for this
procedure?
A. 11626
B. 11626, 12004-51
C. 11626, 12044-51
D. 11626, 13132-51, 13133
2. C. 11044: A 30-year-old female is having 15 sq cm debridement performed on an
infected ulcer with eschar on the right foot. Using sharp dissection, the ulcer was
debrided all the way to down to the bone of the foot. The bone had to be minimally
trimmed because of a sharp point at the end of the metatarsal. After debriding the
area, there was minimal bleeding because of very poor circulation of the foot. It
seems that the toes next to the ulcer may have some involvement and cultures were
taken. The area was dressed with sterile saline and dressings and then wrapped.
What CPT code should be reported?
A. 11043
B. 11012
C. 11044
D. 11042
3. D. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59: A 64-year-old female who has multiple sclerosis
fell from her walker and landed on a glass table. She lacerated her forehead, cheek
and chin and the total length of these lacerations was 6 cm. Her right arm and left leg
had deep cuts measuring 5 cm on each extremity. Her right hand and right foot had
a total of 3 cm lacerations. The ED physician repaired the lacerations as follows: The
forehead, cheek, and chin had debridement and cleaning of glass debris with the
lacerations being closed with one layer closure, 6-0 Prolene sutures. The arm and
leg were repaired by layered closure, 6-0 Vicryl subcutaneous sutures and Prolene
sutures on the skin. The hand and foot were closed with adhesive strips. Select the
appropriate procedure codes for this visit.
A. 99283-25, 12014, 12034-59, 12002-59, 11042-51
B. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59, 12002-59
C. 99283-25, 12014, 12034-59, 11042-51
D. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59
4. C. 21931, D17.1: A 52-year-old female has a mass growing on her right flank for
several years. It has finally gotten significantly larger and is beginning to bother her.
She is brought to the Operating Room for definitive excision. An incision was made
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
directly overlying the mass. The mass was down into the subcutaneous tissue and
the surgeon encountered a well encapsulated lipoma approximately 4 centimeters.
This was excised primarily bluntly with a few attachments divided with electrocautery.
What CPT and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?
A. 21932, D17.39
B. 21935, D17.1
C. 21931, D17.1
D. 21925, D17.9
5. A. 25628-RT: Question 5
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Right scaphoid fracture. TYPE OF PROCEDURE:
Open reduction and internal fixation of right scaphoid fracture. DESCRIPTION OF
PROCEDURE: The patient was brought to the operating room; anesthesia having
been administered. The right upper extremity was prepped and draped in a sterile
manner. The limb was elevated, exsanguinated, and a pneumatic arm tourniquet
was elevated. An incision was made over the dorsal radial aspect of the right wrist.
Skin flaps were elevated. Cutaneous nerve branches were identified and very gently
retracted. The interval between the second and third dorsal compartment tendons
was identified and entered. The respective tendons were retracted. A dorsal capsu-
lotomy incision was made, and the fracture was visualized. There did not appear to
be any type of significant defect at the fracture site. A 0.045 Kirschner wire was then
used as a guidewire, extending from the proximal pole of the scaphoid distal ward.
The guidewire was positioned appropriately and then measured. A 25-mm Acutrak
drill bit was drilled to 25 mm. A 22.5-mm screw was selected and inserted and rigid
internal fixation was accomplished in this fashion. This was visualized under the
OEC imaging device in multiple projections. The wound was irrigated and closed in
layers. Sterile dressings were then applied. The patient tolerated the procedure well
and left the operating room in stable condition. What CPT code is reported for this
procedure?
A. 25628-RT
B. 25624-RT
C. 25645-RT
D. 25651-RT
6. D. 27485-50: An infant with genu valgum is brought to the operating room to have
a bilateral medial distal femur hemiepiphysiodesis done. On each knee, the C-arm
was used to localize the growth plate. With the growth plate localized, an incision was
made medially on both sides. This was taken down to the fascia, which was opened.
The periosteum was not opened. The Orthofix figure-of-eight plate was placed and
checked with X-ray. We then irrigated and closed the medial fascia with 0 Vicryl
suture. The skin was closed with 2-0 Vicryl and 3-0 Monocryl. What procedure code
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
is reported?
A. 27470-50
B. 27475-50
C. 27477-50
D. 27485-50
7. C. 36561, 77001-26: The patient is a 67-year-old gentleman with metastatic
colon cancer recently operated on for a brain metastasis, now for placement of
an Infuse-A-Port for continued chemotherapy. The left subclavian vein was located
with a needle and a guide wire placed. This was confirmed to be in the proper
position fluoroscopically. A transverse incision was made just inferior to this and a
subcutaneous pocket created just inferior to this. After tunneling, the introducer was
placed over the guide wire and the power port line was placed with the introducer
and the introducer was peeled away. The tip was placed in the appropriate position
under fluoroscopic guidance and the catheter trimmed to the appropriate length
and secured to the power port device. The locking mechanism was fully engaged.
The port was placed in the subcutaneous pocket and everything sat very nicely
fluoroscopically. It was secured to the underlying soft tissue with 2-0 silk stitch. What
CPT code(s) is (are) reported for this procedure?
A. 36556, 77001-26
B. 36558
C. 36561, 77001-26
D. 36571
8. A. 32557: Question 8
A CT scan identified moderate-sized right pleural effusion in a 50 year-old male. This
was estimated to be 800 cc in size and had an appearance of fluid on the CT Scan.
A needle is used to puncture through the chest tissues and enter the pleural cavity
to insert a guidewire under ultrasound guidance. A pigtail catheter is then inserted
at the length of the guidewire and secured by stitches. The catheter will remain in
the chest and is connected to drainage system to drain the accumulated fluid. The
CPT code is:
A. 32557
B. 32555
C. 32556
D. 32550
9. B. 35301, 35390: The patient is a 59-year-old white male who underwent carotid
endarterectomy for symptomatic left carotid stenosis a year ago. A carotid CT
angiogram showed a recurrent 90% left internal carotid artery stenosis extending
into the common carotid artery. He is taken to the operating room for re-do left carotid
endarterectomy. The left neck was prepped and the previous incision was carefully
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
reopened. Using sharp dissection, the common carotid artery and its branches
were dissected free. The patient was systematically heparinized and after a few
minutes, clamps were applied to the common carotid artery and its branches. A
longitudinal arteriotomy was carried out with findings of extensive layering of intimal
hyperplasia with no evidence of recurrent atherosclerosis. A silastic balloon-tip
shunt was inserted first proximally and then distally, with restoration of flow. Several
layers of intima were removed and the endarterectomized surfaces irrigated with
heparinized saline. An oval Dacron patch was then sewn into place with running 6-0
Prolene. Which CPT code(s) is/are reported?
A. 35301
B. 35301, 35390
C. 35302
D. 35311, 35390
10. B. 47562, K81.1: A 52-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital for chronic
cholecystitis for which a laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be performed. A trans-
verse infraumbilical incision was made sharply dissecting to the subcutaneous
tissue down to the fascia using access under direct vision with a Vesi-Port and a
scope was placed into the abdomen. Three other ports were inserted under direct
vision. The fundus of the gallbladder was grasped through the lateral port, where
multiple adhesions to the gallbladder were taken down sharply and bluntly: The
gallbladder appeared chronically inflamed. Dissection was carried out to the right
of this identifying a small cystic duct and artery, was clipped twice proximally, once
distally and transected. The gallbladder was then taken down from the bed using
electrocautery, delivering it into an endo-bag and removing it from the abdominal
cavity with the umbilical port. What CPT and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?
A. 47564, K81.2
B. 47562, K81.1
C. 47610, K81.2
D. 47600, K81.1
11. B. 49652: A 70-year-old female who has a history of symptomatic ventral hernia
was advised to undergo laparoscopic evaluation and repair. An incision was made in
the epigastrium and dissection was carried down through the subcutaneous tissue.
Two 5-mm trocars were placed, one in the left upper quadrant and one in the left
lower quadrant and the laparoscope was inserted. Dissection was carried down
to the area of the hernia where a small defect was clearly visualized. There was
some omentum, which was adhered to the hernia and this was delivered back into
the peritoneal cavity. The mesh was tacked on to cover the defect. What procedure
code(s) is (are) reported?
A. 49560, 49568
1. C. 11626, 12044-51: A 46-year-old female had a previous biopsy that indicated
positive malignant margins anteriorly on the right side of her neck. A 0.5 cm
margin was drawn out and a 15 blade scalpel was used for full excision of an 8
cm lesion. Layered closure was performed after the removal. The specimen was
sent for permanent histopathologic examination. What are the CPT code(s) for this
procedure?
A. 11626
B. 11626, 12004-51
C. 11626, 12044-51
D. 11626, 13132-51, 13133
2. C. 11044: A 30-year-old female is having 15 sq cm debridement performed on an
infected ulcer with eschar on the right foot. Using sharp dissection, the ulcer was
debrided all the way to down to the bone of the foot. The bone had to be minimally
trimmed because of a sharp point at the end of the metatarsal. After debriding the
area, there was minimal bleeding because of very poor circulation of the foot. It
seems that the toes next to the ulcer may have some involvement and cultures were
taken. The area was dressed with sterile saline and dressings and then wrapped.
What CPT code should be reported?
A. 11043
B. 11012
C. 11044
D. 11042
3. D. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59: A 64-year-old female who has multiple sclerosis
fell from her walker and landed on a glass table. She lacerated her forehead, cheek
and chin and the total length of these lacerations was 6 cm. Her right arm and left leg
had deep cuts measuring 5 cm on each extremity. Her right hand and right foot had
a total of 3 cm lacerations. The ED physician repaired the lacerations as follows: The
forehead, cheek, and chin had debridement and cleaning of glass debris with the
lacerations being closed with one layer closure, 6-0 Prolene sutures. The arm and
leg were repaired by layered closure, 6-0 Vicryl subcutaneous sutures and Prolene
sutures on the skin. The hand and foot were closed with adhesive strips. Select the
appropriate procedure codes for this visit.
A. 99283-25, 12014, 12034-59, 12002-59, 11042-51
B. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59, 12002-59
C. 99283-25, 12014, 12034-59, 11042-51
D. 99283-25, 12053, 12034-59
4. C. 21931, D17.1: A 52-year-old female has a mass growing on her right flank for
several years. It has finally gotten significantly larger and is beginning to bother her.
She is brought to the Operating Room for definitive excision. An incision was made
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
directly overlying the mass. The mass was down into the subcutaneous tissue and
the surgeon encountered a well encapsulated lipoma approximately 4 centimeters.
This was excised primarily bluntly with a few attachments divided with electrocautery.
What CPT and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?
A. 21932, D17.39
B. 21935, D17.1
C. 21931, D17.1
D. 21925, D17.9
5. A. 25628-RT: Question 5
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Right scaphoid fracture. TYPE OF PROCEDURE:
Open reduction and internal fixation of right scaphoid fracture. DESCRIPTION OF
PROCEDURE: The patient was brought to the operating room; anesthesia having
been administered. The right upper extremity was prepped and draped in a sterile
manner. The limb was elevated, exsanguinated, and a pneumatic arm tourniquet
was elevated. An incision was made over the dorsal radial aspect of the right wrist.
Skin flaps were elevated. Cutaneous nerve branches were identified and very gently
retracted. The interval between the second and third dorsal compartment tendons
was identified and entered. The respective tendons were retracted. A dorsal capsu-
lotomy incision was made, and the fracture was visualized. There did not appear to
be any type of significant defect at the fracture site. A 0.045 Kirschner wire was then
used as a guidewire, extending from the proximal pole of the scaphoid distal ward.
The guidewire was positioned appropriately and then measured. A 25-mm Acutrak
drill bit was drilled to 25 mm. A 22.5-mm screw was selected and inserted and rigid
internal fixation was accomplished in this fashion. This was visualized under the
OEC imaging device in multiple projections. The wound was irrigated and closed in
layers. Sterile dressings were then applied. The patient tolerated the procedure well
and left the operating room in stable condition. What CPT code is reported for this
procedure?
A. 25628-RT
B. 25624-RT
C. 25645-RT
D. 25651-RT
6. D. 27485-50: An infant with genu valgum is brought to the operating room to have
a bilateral medial distal femur hemiepiphysiodesis done. On each knee, the C-arm
was used to localize the growth plate. With the growth plate localized, an incision was
made medially on both sides. This was taken down to the fascia, which was opened.
The periosteum was not opened. The Orthofix figure-of-eight plate was placed and
checked with X-ray. We then irrigated and closed the medial fascia with 0 Vicryl
suture. The skin was closed with 2-0 Vicryl and 3-0 Monocryl. What procedure code
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
is reported?
A. 27470-50
B. 27475-50
C. 27477-50
D. 27485-50
7. C. 36561, 77001-26: The patient is a 67-year-old gentleman with metastatic
colon cancer recently operated on for a brain metastasis, now for placement of
an Infuse-A-Port for continued chemotherapy. The left subclavian vein was located
with a needle and a guide wire placed. This was confirmed to be in the proper
position fluoroscopically. A transverse incision was made just inferior to this and a
subcutaneous pocket created just inferior to this. After tunneling, the introducer was
placed over the guide wire and the power port line was placed with the introducer
and the introducer was peeled away. The tip was placed in the appropriate position
under fluoroscopic guidance and the catheter trimmed to the appropriate length
and secured to the power port device. The locking mechanism was fully engaged.
The port was placed in the subcutaneous pocket and everything sat very nicely
fluoroscopically. It was secured to the underlying soft tissue with 2-0 silk stitch. What
CPT code(s) is (are) reported for this procedure?
A. 36556, 77001-26
B. 36558
C. 36561, 77001-26
D. 36571
8. A. 32557: Question 8
A CT scan identified moderate-sized right pleural effusion in a 50 year-old male. This
was estimated to be 800 cc in size and had an appearance of fluid on the CT Scan.
A needle is used to puncture through the chest tissues and enter the pleural cavity
to insert a guidewire under ultrasound guidance. A pigtail catheter is then inserted
at the length of the guidewire and secured by stitches. The catheter will remain in
the chest and is connected to drainage system to drain the accumulated fluid. The
CPT code is:
A. 32557
B. 32555
C. 32556
D. 32550
9. B. 35301, 35390: The patient is a 59-year-old white male who underwent carotid
endarterectomy for symptomatic left carotid stenosis a year ago. A carotid CT
angiogram showed a recurrent 90% left internal carotid artery stenosis extending
into the common carotid artery. He is taken to the operating room for re-do left carotid
endarterectomy. The left neck was prepped and the previous incision was carefully
, AAPC CPC Practice Questions
reopened. Using sharp dissection, the common carotid artery and its branches
were dissected free. The patient was systematically heparinized and after a few
minutes, clamps were applied to the common carotid artery and its branches. A
longitudinal arteriotomy was carried out with findings of extensive layering of intimal
hyperplasia with no evidence of recurrent atherosclerosis. A silastic balloon-tip
shunt was inserted first proximally and then distally, with restoration of flow. Several
layers of intima were removed and the endarterectomized surfaces irrigated with
heparinized saline. An oval Dacron patch was then sewn into place with running 6-0
Prolene. Which CPT code(s) is/are reported?
A. 35301
B. 35301, 35390
C. 35302
D. 35311, 35390
10. B. 47562, K81.1: A 52-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital for chronic
cholecystitis for which a laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be performed. A trans-
verse infraumbilical incision was made sharply dissecting to the subcutaneous
tissue down to the fascia using access under direct vision with a Vesi-Port and a
scope was placed into the abdomen. Three other ports were inserted under direct
vision. The fundus of the gallbladder was grasped through the lateral port, where
multiple adhesions to the gallbladder were taken down sharply and bluntly: The
gallbladder appeared chronically inflamed. Dissection was carried out to the right
of this identifying a small cystic duct and artery, was clipped twice proximally, once
distally and transected. The gallbladder was then taken down from the bed using
electrocautery, delivering it into an endo-bag and removing it from the abdominal
cavity with the umbilical port. What CPT and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?
A. 47564, K81.2
B. 47562, K81.1
C. 47610, K81.2
D. 47600, K81.1
11. B. 49652: A 70-year-old female who has a history of symptomatic ventral hernia
was advised to undergo laparoscopic evaluation and repair. An incision was made in
the epigastrium and dissection was carried down through the subcutaneous tissue.
Two 5-mm trocars were placed, one in the left upper quadrant and one in the left
lower quadrant and the laparoscope was inserted. Dissection was carried down
to the area of the hernia where a small defect was clearly visualized. There was
some omentum, which was adhered to the hernia and this was delivered back into
the peritoneal cavity. The mesh was tacked on to cover the defect. What procedure
code(s) is (are) reported?
A. 49560, 49568
