CPC C PRACTICE EXAM Questions and
Answers Latest Updates 2025 GRADED
A+
Procedure performed is for placement of a central venous catheter eliminating multiple choice A.
An access device is not inserted eliminating multiple choice D. The documentation supports that
a subcutaneous tunnel is created to place the catheter guiding you to code 36557.
Pre-Operative Diagnosis: Right lung mass Indications: Patient with a mass in the right lung mass
identified on routine X-ray presents for bronchoscopy and biopsy. Procedure: The patient was
brought to the endoscopy suite and the mouth and throat were anesthetized. The bronchoscope
was inserted and advanced through the larynx to the bronchus. The bronchoscope was introduced
into the right bronchus. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the tip of the bronchoscope was
maneuvered into the area of the mass. A closed biopsy forceps was passed through the channel in
the bronchoscope and then through the bronchial wall. A tissue sample was obtained. There were
no other abnormalities appreciated in the right side and the bronchoscope was removed. The
specimen was labeled and sent to pathology for testing. The patient tolerated the procedure well.
Pathology indicates that the lung mass is cancer. What are the procedure and diagnosis codes?
A. 31628, 786.6
B. 31628, 162.9
C. 31628, 31622-51, 162.9
D. 31625, 786.6 correct answer: B. 31628, 162.9
To narrow down your choices, you can start with coding the diagnosis first. The patient is having
the procedure done due to a lung mass. A specimen was sent to pathology and came back
indicating that the lung mass is cancerous. In the ICD-9-CM Index to Diseases, look in the
Neoplasm Table lung/Malignant/Primary (column). You are referred to code 162.9, eliminating
multiple choice answers C and D. You would not code 31622 because this is a diagnostic
procedure. A diagnostic procedure is not coded if performed at the same session as a surgical
procedure in the same area. A surgical procedure (biopsy) was performed with the
bronchoscopy. Fluoroscopic guidance, is included in code 31628 and not separately reported.
Preoperative Diagnosis: Lower left inguinal pain Postoperative Diagnosis: Inguinal hernia
Procedure: This 30-year-old patient presented with lower left inguinal pain and on examination
was found to have a left inguinal hernia. The decision to perform a left inguinal hernia repair was
made. The procedure was performed in the outpatient hospital surgery center. Risks and benefits
of the surgery were discussed with the patient and the patient decided to proceed with the
surgery. A skin incision was placed at the umbilicus where the left rectus fascia was incised
anteriorly. The rectus muscle was retracted laterally. Balloon dissector was passed below the
muscle and above the peritoneum. Insufflation and deinsufflation were done with the balloon
removed. The structural balloon was placed in the preperitoneal space and insufflated to 10 mm
,Hg carbon dioxide. The other trocars were placed in the lower midline times two. The hernia sac
was easily identified and was well-defined. It was dissected off the cord anteromedially. It was
an indirect sac. It was taken back down and reduced into the peritoneal cavity. Mesh was then
tailored and placed overlying the defect, covering the femoral, indirect, and direct spaces, tacked
into place. After this was completed, there was good hemostasis. The cord, structures, and vas
were left intact. The trocars were removed. The wounds were closed with 0 Vicryl for the fascia,
4-0 for the skin. Steri-Strips were applied. The patient was awakened and carried to the recovery
room in good condition, having tolerated the procedure well. What are the correct procedure and
diagnostic codes?
A. 49650-LT, 550.90
B. 49651-LT, 49568, 550.90
C. 49650-LT, 550.92
D. 49652-LT, 550.92 correct answer: A. 49650-LT, 550.90
To start narrowing down your choices, you need to identify the type of hernia. The operative
note indicates that it is an inguinal hernia. This eliminates code 49652. Next does the op note
mention if the hernia is recurrent, incarcerated or strangulated? No, so this eliminates code
49651. Code 49568 (Mesh) would not be coded. According to CPT® guidelines the mesh is
reported only with hernia repair codes 49560-49566. There is a parenthetical note under add-on
code 49568 indicating which codes to report it with. In the ICD-9-CM Index to Diseases, look
for Hernia/inguinal referring you to 550.9X. Your fifth digit is "0" because there is no indication
in the op note that the hernia is recurrent or bilateral.
Preoperative Diagnosis: Chronic tonsillitis. Chronic adenoiditis. Postoperative Diagnosis: Same.
Procedure: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Patient is a 24-year-old male who was taken to
the operating room and put under IV sedation by the anesthesia department. An initial curettage
of adenoids was done and packing was placed. The left tonsil was then identified and dissected
out extracapsular and removed with scissors. Hemostasis was maintained by packing the left
tonsil. Next, the right tonsil was identified and incision was made. Dissection was done
extracapsular and the right tonsil was then removed. Both the right and left tonsil were sent as
specimens as well as adenoid tissue. What are the procedure and diagnosis codes?
A. 42826, 42831-59, 474.01
B. 42820, 474.02
C. 42821-50, 42836-50-59, 474.00, 474.01
D. 42821, 474.02 correct answer: D. 42821, 474.02
One way to narrow down your choices is by looking up the diagnosis first. In the ICD-9-CM
Index to Diseases, look for Adenoiditis/with chronic tonsillitis, referring you to code 474.02.
This eliminates multiple choice answers A and C. The patient is over the age of 12 having a
tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy, which leads to code 42821. It is not appropriate to report
two separate procedure codes for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, since there is combination
procedure code that reports the removal of both in one. According to CPT® guidelines the codes
for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (42820-42836) are intended to represent bilateral
procedures. It is not appropriate to append the 50 modifier when performed bilaterally.
, Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum was
performed after esophageal balloon dilation (less than 30 mm diameter) was done at the same
operative session. Code the procedure(s).
A. 43249, 43235-51
B. 43249
C. 43220, 43200-51
D. 43220 correct answer: B. 43249
Patient is having an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, eliminating multiple choice answers C and D,
which report an esophagoscopy. Your key terms to look for are "balloon dilation" which is in
code description 43249. Code 43235 is noted as a separate procedure and a diagnostic procedure
which means it is included in a surgical endoscopy (43249) when performed at the same time,
not coded separately
A 46-year-old female with history of cervical carcinoma underwent placement of an ileal
conduit, with subsequent development of left hydronephrosis. A retrograde ureteral catheter was
recently placed. She returns today for catheter exchange. Patient was placed in the supine
position. The ileal conduit was accessed. The existing catheter was removed over a guidewire
and replaced with a similar 10 French 50 cm long locking pigtail catheter. Contrast was injected
for monitoring, confirming good position of the catheter placement. IMPRESSION: Left
retrograde ureteral catheter exchange via the ileal conduit.
A. 50398, 75984-26
B. 50393, 74480-26
C. 50385
D. 50688, 75984-26 correct answer: D. 50688, 75984-26
The patient presents for a ureteral catheter exchange via the ileal conduit. 50398 is not correct
because it is for a nephrostomy tube which is in the kidney. 50393 is performed using a
percutaneous approach, which is not used in this case. 50385 is performed using a transurethral
approach, which is not correct. The exchange is performed via the ileal conduit, which is
reported with 50688. Monitoring contrast imaging is performed. There is a parenthetical note
under 50688 that states that imaging is reported with 75984.
70-year-old with significant pelvic prolapse and grade IV cystocele who has failed previous
primary repair and is status post hysterectomy. She presents for anterior repair and colpopexy.
Procedure: Patient placed in the dorsal lithotomy position and general anesthetic was induced
without problems. A midline incision is made from just above is made from just above the
bladder neck to the vaginal cuff. She is noted to have a grade IV cystocele. Vaginal flaps were
dissected to the level of the pubocervical fascia. Her vaginal mucosa was in good condition but
near the urethra and bladder neck it was a little thinner. There is significant scarring on the left
side from previous procedures. Ishcial spine is identified and swept fiber fatty tissue off of the
sacrospinous ligament bilaterally. No scarring or adhesions in this area. Anterior needles were
passed into place on the elevate mesh and these were fixed in a manner similar to the MiniArc.
They were passed along just below the bladder neck toward the obturaton foramen and fixed in
place. An anterior support was created without tension at the viscourethral junction. Apical
needles were then used to pass the apical arms into place. There were gently fixed into place
along the sacrospinous ligament approximately 2cm away from the ischial spine. This was done
bilaterally. They passed in a single pass and were fixed in place confirmed by gentle tugging on
Answers Latest Updates 2025 GRADED
A+
Procedure performed is for placement of a central venous catheter eliminating multiple choice A.
An access device is not inserted eliminating multiple choice D. The documentation supports that
a subcutaneous tunnel is created to place the catheter guiding you to code 36557.
Pre-Operative Diagnosis: Right lung mass Indications: Patient with a mass in the right lung mass
identified on routine X-ray presents for bronchoscopy and biopsy. Procedure: The patient was
brought to the endoscopy suite and the mouth and throat were anesthetized. The bronchoscope
was inserted and advanced through the larynx to the bronchus. The bronchoscope was introduced
into the right bronchus. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the tip of the bronchoscope was
maneuvered into the area of the mass. A closed biopsy forceps was passed through the channel in
the bronchoscope and then through the bronchial wall. A tissue sample was obtained. There were
no other abnormalities appreciated in the right side and the bronchoscope was removed. The
specimen was labeled and sent to pathology for testing. The patient tolerated the procedure well.
Pathology indicates that the lung mass is cancer. What are the procedure and diagnosis codes?
A. 31628, 786.6
B. 31628, 162.9
C. 31628, 31622-51, 162.9
D. 31625, 786.6 correct answer: B. 31628, 162.9
To narrow down your choices, you can start with coding the diagnosis first. The patient is having
the procedure done due to a lung mass. A specimen was sent to pathology and came back
indicating that the lung mass is cancerous. In the ICD-9-CM Index to Diseases, look in the
Neoplasm Table lung/Malignant/Primary (column). You are referred to code 162.9, eliminating
multiple choice answers C and D. You would not code 31622 because this is a diagnostic
procedure. A diagnostic procedure is not coded if performed at the same session as a surgical
procedure in the same area. A surgical procedure (biopsy) was performed with the
bronchoscopy. Fluoroscopic guidance, is included in code 31628 and not separately reported.
Preoperative Diagnosis: Lower left inguinal pain Postoperative Diagnosis: Inguinal hernia
Procedure: This 30-year-old patient presented with lower left inguinal pain and on examination
was found to have a left inguinal hernia. The decision to perform a left inguinal hernia repair was
made. The procedure was performed in the outpatient hospital surgery center. Risks and benefits
of the surgery were discussed with the patient and the patient decided to proceed with the
surgery. A skin incision was placed at the umbilicus where the left rectus fascia was incised
anteriorly. The rectus muscle was retracted laterally. Balloon dissector was passed below the
muscle and above the peritoneum. Insufflation and deinsufflation were done with the balloon
removed. The structural balloon was placed in the preperitoneal space and insufflated to 10 mm
,Hg carbon dioxide. The other trocars were placed in the lower midline times two. The hernia sac
was easily identified and was well-defined. It was dissected off the cord anteromedially. It was
an indirect sac. It was taken back down and reduced into the peritoneal cavity. Mesh was then
tailored and placed overlying the defect, covering the femoral, indirect, and direct spaces, tacked
into place. After this was completed, there was good hemostasis. The cord, structures, and vas
were left intact. The trocars were removed. The wounds were closed with 0 Vicryl for the fascia,
4-0 for the skin. Steri-Strips were applied. The patient was awakened and carried to the recovery
room in good condition, having tolerated the procedure well. What are the correct procedure and
diagnostic codes?
A. 49650-LT, 550.90
B. 49651-LT, 49568, 550.90
C. 49650-LT, 550.92
D. 49652-LT, 550.92 correct answer: A. 49650-LT, 550.90
To start narrowing down your choices, you need to identify the type of hernia. The operative
note indicates that it is an inguinal hernia. This eliminates code 49652. Next does the op note
mention if the hernia is recurrent, incarcerated or strangulated? No, so this eliminates code
49651. Code 49568 (Mesh) would not be coded. According to CPT® guidelines the mesh is
reported only with hernia repair codes 49560-49566. There is a parenthetical note under add-on
code 49568 indicating which codes to report it with. In the ICD-9-CM Index to Diseases, look
for Hernia/inguinal referring you to 550.9X. Your fifth digit is "0" because there is no indication
in the op note that the hernia is recurrent or bilateral.
Preoperative Diagnosis: Chronic tonsillitis. Chronic adenoiditis. Postoperative Diagnosis: Same.
Procedure: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Patient is a 24-year-old male who was taken to
the operating room and put under IV sedation by the anesthesia department. An initial curettage
of adenoids was done and packing was placed. The left tonsil was then identified and dissected
out extracapsular and removed with scissors. Hemostasis was maintained by packing the left
tonsil. Next, the right tonsil was identified and incision was made. Dissection was done
extracapsular and the right tonsil was then removed. Both the right and left tonsil were sent as
specimens as well as adenoid tissue. What are the procedure and diagnosis codes?
A. 42826, 42831-59, 474.01
B. 42820, 474.02
C. 42821-50, 42836-50-59, 474.00, 474.01
D. 42821, 474.02 correct answer: D. 42821, 474.02
One way to narrow down your choices is by looking up the diagnosis first. In the ICD-9-CM
Index to Diseases, look for Adenoiditis/with chronic tonsillitis, referring you to code 474.02.
This eliminates multiple choice answers A and C. The patient is over the age of 12 having a
tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy, which leads to code 42821. It is not appropriate to report
two separate procedure codes for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, since there is combination
procedure code that reports the removal of both in one. According to CPT® guidelines the codes
for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (42820-42836) are intended to represent bilateral
procedures. It is not appropriate to append the 50 modifier when performed bilaterally.
, Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum was
performed after esophageal balloon dilation (less than 30 mm diameter) was done at the same
operative session. Code the procedure(s).
A. 43249, 43235-51
B. 43249
C. 43220, 43200-51
D. 43220 correct answer: B. 43249
Patient is having an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, eliminating multiple choice answers C and D,
which report an esophagoscopy. Your key terms to look for are "balloon dilation" which is in
code description 43249. Code 43235 is noted as a separate procedure and a diagnostic procedure
which means it is included in a surgical endoscopy (43249) when performed at the same time,
not coded separately
A 46-year-old female with history of cervical carcinoma underwent placement of an ileal
conduit, with subsequent development of left hydronephrosis. A retrograde ureteral catheter was
recently placed. She returns today for catheter exchange. Patient was placed in the supine
position. The ileal conduit was accessed. The existing catheter was removed over a guidewire
and replaced with a similar 10 French 50 cm long locking pigtail catheter. Contrast was injected
for monitoring, confirming good position of the catheter placement. IMPRESSION: Left
retrograde ureteral catheter exchange via the ileal conduit.
A. 50398, 75984-26
B. 50393, 74480-26
C. 50385
D. 50688, 75984-26 correct answer: D. 50688, 75984-26
The patient presents for a ureteral catheter exchange via the ileal conduit. 50398 is not correct
because it is for a nephrostomy tube which is in the kidney. 50393 is performed using a
percutaneous approach, which is not used in this case. 50385 is performed using a transurethral
approach, which is not correct. The exchange is performed via the ileal conduit, which is
reported with 50688. Monitoring contrast imaging is performed. There is a parenthetical note
under 50688 that states that imaging is reported with 75984.
70-year-old with significant pelvic prolapse and grade IV cystocele who has failed previous
primary repair and is status post hysterectomy. She presents for anterior repair and colpopexy.
Procedure: Patient placed in the dorsal lithotomy position and general anesthetic was induced
without problems. A midline incision is made from just above is made from just above the
bladder neck to the vaginal cuff. She is noted to have a grade IV cystocele. Vaginal flaps were
dissected to the level of the pubocervical fascia. Her vaginal mucosa was in good condition but
near the urethra and bladder neck it was a little thinner. There is significant scarring on the left
side from previous procedures. Ishcial spine is identified and swept fiber fatty tissue off of the
sacrospinous ligament bilaterally. No scarring or adhesions in this area. Anterior needles were
passed into place on the elevate mesh and these were fixed in a manner similar to the MiniArc.
They were passed along just below the bladder neck toward the obturaton foramen and fixed in
place. An anterior support was created without tension at the viscourethral junction. Apical
needles were then used to pass the apical arms into place. There were gently fixed into place
along the sacrospinous ligament approximately 2cm away from the ischial spine. This was done
bilaterally. They passed in a single pass and were fixed in place confirmed by gentle tugging on
