NHA CBCS EXAM STUDY SET | 2026/2027 Edition | 100 Verified Questions
NHA 2026-2027 CBCS Questions (Set 2): Exam 2026-2027 with correct questions and
detailed answers 2026 verified!! 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest NHA & CMS
Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive study set is designed for candidates preparing for the National Healthcareer
Association (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) examination. It covers all major content
areas including medical terminology, ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, CPT procedural coding, HCPCS Level
II coding, and healthcare reimbursement methodologies. Each question is aligned with the 2026/2027
NHA CBCS exam content outline and reflects current CMS billing regulations, ICD-10-CM updates, and
CPT coding standards.
Key Features
ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding with 2026 code updates and conventions
CPT procedural coding across all six sections including E/M guidelines
HCPCS Level II modifiers, DME coding, and drug administration codes
Healthcare reimbursement methodologies including DRG, APC, and RBRVS
Insurance claims processing with CMS-1500, UB-04, and electronic transactions
Updates for 2026
2026 ICD-10-CM Code Additions and Deletions: New codes effective October 1, 2025, including
expanded coding for social determinants of health, updated COVID-19 classifications, and revised
neoplasm coding tables.
Updated E/M Evaluation and Management Guidelines: Continued implementation of time-based and
MDM-based E/M level selection for office/outpatient visits (99202-99215), with clarified documentation
requirements for split/shared visits and teaching physician services.
Revised CMS Telehealth Billing Modifiers: Updated modifier requirements for telehealth services,
including expanded eligible service lists and permanent provisions for audio-only telehealth billing under
Medicare.
Abstract
This document presents a comprehensive 100-question study set for the NHA Certified Billing and Coding
Specialist (CBCS) examination, aligned with the 2026/2027 NHA exam content outline and current
industry standards. The study set addresses five core competency domains: medical terminology and
anatomy, ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, CPT procedural coding, HCPCS Level II coding and modifiers,
and healthcare reimbursement and claims processing. Each question is accompanied by a detailed
rationale explaining the correct answer, an analysis of why distractor options are incorrect, specific NHA
and CMS references, and a memory aid to reinforce learning. The content integrates medical terminology
foundational knowledge, anatomical concepts relevant to coding accuracy, coding compliance principles
including HIPAA regulations, and claims adjudication processes. This study set serves as a targeted
preparation resource for examinees seeking to demonstrate proficiency in medical billing and coding
competencies required for national certification.
Keywords
NHA CBCS, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, E/M Coding, Claims Processing,
Reimbursement, Modifiers, DRG, APC, RBRVS, HIPAA, CMS-1500
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold for immediate identification. Each question is followed by a
detailed Rationale in italicized explaining the clinical and regulatory reasoning behind the correct answer.
The 'Why Wrong' section provides brief explanations of why each distractor option is incorrect. The
,'NHA/CMS Reference' cites specific chapters of the NHA CBCS study guide, ICD-10-CM manual sections,
or CPT code ranges for further study. The 'Memory Aid' provides mnemonics and memory tricks to
reinforce key concepts for exam retention.
Compliance Checklist
All 100 questions aligned with 2026/2027 NHA CBCS exam content outline
ICD-10-CM codes updated per FY 2026 (effective October 1, 2025)
CPT codes and guidelines per AMA CPT 2026 edition
HCPCS Level II codes per CMS 2026 quarterly updates
CMS billing regulations and reimbursement policies current as of 2026
Exact question count: 100 MCQ questions as specified
Formatting rules strictly followed: #000000 questions, #32CD32 answers, #00545f rationales
All questions, rationales, Why Wrong explanations, references, and memory aids included
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Medical Terminology & 15 Prefixes, Suffixes, Root 15%
Anatomy Words, Body Systems,
Anatomical
Terminology, Medical
Abbreviations
ICD-10-CM Diagnostic 25 Code Structure, 25%
Coding Alphabetic Index,
Tabular List, Coding
Conventions, Chapter-
Specific Guidelines,
Sequencing
CPT Procedural Coding 25 CPT Structure, 25%
Evaluation &
Management, Surgery,
Modifiers, Category
II/III Codes, E/M
Guidelines
HCPCS & Modifiers 15 HCPCS Level II 15%
Structure, Durable
Medical Equipment,
Modifiers, Drug
Administration,
Transportation
Reimbursement & 20 Insurance Types, CMS- 20%
Claims 1500, UB-04, HIPAA,
Claim Adjudication,
Denials, Appeals,
Payment Systems
TOTAL 100 100%
,Examination Questions
Domain: Medical Terminology & Anatomy
1. What does the prefix 'hyper-' mean in medical terminology?
A. Below normal
B. Above normal or excessive
C. Around
D. Between
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix 'hyper-' means above normal, excessive, or beyond. It is commonly seen in terms
like hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Understanding prefixes
is essential for accurate medical coding, as they alter the meaning of root words and directly impact
code selection.
Why Wrong: A describes 'hypo-', C describes 'peri-', D describes 'inter-'. Each prefix carries a distinct
meaning critical to interpreting medical documentation.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; AMA Current
Procedural Terminology 2026, Introduction
Memory Aid: Hyper = HIGH (think: hyperactive = too active)
2. Which root word refers to the heart?
A. Hepat-
B. Cardi-
C. Nephr-
D. Gastr-
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The root word 'cardi-' refers to the heart. It appears in terms such as cardiology (study of the
heart), cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). Accurate
identification of root words ensures correct code assignment for cardiac conditions and procedures.
Why Wrong: A refers to the liver (hepat-), C refers to the kidney (nephr-), D refers to the stomach (gastr-
). Confusing these roots leads to coding errors in different body systems.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026,
Chapter 9: Circulatory System
Memory Aid: Cardi- = CARDIac = HEART (same starting letters)
3. The suffix '-itis' indicates which condition?
A. Surgical removal
B. Inflammation
C. Tumor or mass
D. Enlargement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix '-itis' indicates inflammation of a body part. Examples include appendicitis
(inflammation of the appendix), tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), and dermatitis (inflammation of
the skin). This suffix is one of the most frequently encountered in medical coding and directly affects ICD-
10-CM code selection.
Why Wrong: A describes '-ectomy', C describes '-oma', D describes '-megaly'. Each suffix has a specific
meaning that changes the clinical interpretation.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026 Index
to Diseases
Memory Aid: -itis = INFLAMMATION (think: itis = it IS inflamed)
4. What does the abbreviation 'COPD' stand for?
, A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Cardiac Output Per Day
C. Central Occlusive Peripheral Disorder
D. Chronic Orthopedic Pain Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive lung disease that
includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is classified under ICD-10-CM codes J44.-. Medical
abbreviations must be understood in context to ensure accurate diagnostic and procedural coding.
Why Wrong: B is a fabricated term, C and D are not recognized medical abbreviations. Misinterpreting
abbreviations leads to coding errors and claim denials.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026,
Category J44
Memory Aid: COPD = Can't Obtain Proper breath = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
5. Which anatomical term means 'pertaining to the front of the body'?
A. Posterior
B. Anterior
C. Lateral
D. Proximal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anterior means pertaining to the front of the body or toward the belly side. This directional
term is essential in anatomical documentation and coding, particularly for specifying the location of
procedures and conditions. Posterior means toward the back, lateral means toward the side, and
proximal means closer to the point of origin.
Why Wrong: A means toward the back, C means toward the side, D means closer to the origin of a limb.
Directional terminology precision is vital for correct code assignment.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology; CPT 2026, Surgery
Guidelines
Memory Aid: Anterior = FRONT (A = Ahead)
6. The suffix '-ectomy' means which of the following?
A. Surgical removal or excision
B. Surgical repair
C. Incision into
D. Visual examination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal or excision of a body part. Examples include
appendectomy (removal of the appendix), cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), and
tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). This suffix distinguishes excision procedures from other surgical
interventions in CPT coding.
Why Wrong: B describes '-plasty', C describes '-otomy', D describes '-scopy'. Confusing surgical suffixes
leads to incorrect CPT code selection.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; CPT 2026, Surgery
Section Guidelines
Memory Aid: -ectomy = EXIT (removing something from the body)
7. What is the medical term for the thigh bone?
A. Humerus
B. Femur
C. Tibia
D. Fibula
NHA 2026-2027 CBCS Questions (Set 2): Exam 2026-2027 with correct questions and
detailed answers 2026 verified!! 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest NHA & CMS
Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive study set is designed for candidates preparing for the National Healthcareer
Association (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) examination. It covers all major content
areas including medical terminology, ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, CPT procedural coding, HCPCS Level
II coding, and healthcare reimbursement methodologies. Each question is aligned with the 2026/2027
NHA CBCS exam content outline and reflects current CMS billing regulations, ICD-10-CM updates, and
CPT coding standards.
Key Features
ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding with 2026 code updates and conventions
CPT procedural coding across all six sections including E/M guidelines
HCPCS Level II modifiers, DME coding, and drug administration codes
Healthcare reimbursement methodologies including DRG, APC, and RBRVS
Insurance claims processing with CMS-1500, UB-04, and electronic transactions
Updates for 2026
2026 ICD-10-CM Code Additions and Deletions: New codes effective October 1, 2025, including
expanded coding for social determinants of health, updated COVID-19 classifications, and revised
neoplasm coding tables.
Updated E/M Evaluation and Management Guidelines: Continued implementation of time-based and
MDM-based E/M level selection for office/outpatient visits (99202-99215), with clarified documentation
requirements for split/shared visits and teaching physician services.
Revised CMS Telehealth Billing Modifiers: Updated modifier requirements for telehealth services,
including expanded eligible service lists and permanent provisions for audio-only telehealth billing under
Medicare.
Abstract
This document presents a comprehensive 100-question study set for the NHA Certified Billing and Coding
Specialist (CBCS) examination, aligned with the 2026/2027 NHA exam content outline and current
industry standards. The study set addresses five core competency domains: medical terminology and
anatomy, ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, CPT procedural coding, HCPCS Level II coding and modifiers,
and healthcare reimbursement and claims processing. Each question is accompanied by a detailed
rationale explaining the correct answer, an analysis of why distractor options are incorrect, specific NHA
and CMS references, and a memory aid to reinforce learning. The content integrates medical terminology
foundational knowledge, anatomical concepts relevant to coding accuracy, coding compliance principles
including HIPAA regulations, and claims adjudication processes. This study set serves as a targeted
preparation resource for examinees seeking to demonstrate proficiency in medical billing and coding
competencies required for national certification.
Keywords
NHA CBCS, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, E/M Coding, Claims Processing,
Reimbursement, Modifiers, DRG, APC, RBRVS, HIPAA, CMS-1500
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold for immediate identification. Each question is followed by a
detailed Rationale in italicized explaining the clinical and regulatory reasoning behind the correct answer.
The 'Why Wrong' section provides brief explanations of why each distractor option is incorrect. The
,'NHA/CMS Reference' cites specific chapters of the NHA CBCS study guide, ICD-10-CM manual sections,
or CPT code ranges for further study. The 'Memory Aid' provides mnemonics and memory tricks to
reinforce key concepts for exam retention.
Compliance Checklist
All 100 questions aligned with 2026/2027 NHA CBCS exam content outline
ICD-10-CM codes updated per FY 2026 (effective October 1, 2025)
CPT codes and guidelines per AMA CPT 2026 edition
HCPCS Level II codes per CMS 2026 quarterly updates
CMS billing regulations and reimbursement policies current as of 2026
Exact question count: 100 MCQ questions as specified
Formatting rules strictly followed: #000000 questions, #32CD32 answers, #00545f rationales
All questions, rationales, Why Wrong explanations, references, and memory aids included
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Medical Terminology & 15 Prefixes, Suffixes, Root 15%
Anatomy Words, Body Systems,
Anatomical
Terminology, Medical
Abbreviations
ICD-10-CM Diagnostic 25 Code Structure, 25%
Coding Alphabetic Index,
Tabular List, Coding
Conventions, Chapter-
Specific Guidelines,
Sequencing
CPT Procedural Coding 25 CPT Structure, 25%
Evaluation &
Management, Surgery,
Modifiers, Category
II/III Codes, E/M
Guidelines
HCPCS & Modifiers 15 HCPCS Level II 15%
Structure, Durable
Medical Equipment,
Modifiers, Drug
Administration,
Transportation
Reimbursement & 20 Insurance Types, CMS- 20%
Claims 1500, UB-04, HIPAA,
Claim Adjudication,
Denials, Appeals,
Payment Systems
TOTAL 100 100%
,Examination Questions
Domain: Medical Terminology & Anatomy
1. What does the prefix 'hyper-' mean in medical terminology?
A. Below normal
B. Above normal or excessive
C. Around
D. Between
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix 'hyper-' means above normal, excessive, or beyond. It is commonly seen in terms
like hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Understanding prefixes
is essential for accurate medical coding, as they alter the meaning of root words and directly impact
code selection.
Why Wrong: A describes 'hypo-', C describes 'peri-', D describes 'inter-'. Each prefix carries a distinct
meaning critical to interpreting medical documentation.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; AMA Current
Procedural Terminology 2026, Introduction
Memory Aid: Hyper = HIGH (think: hyperactive = too active)
2. Which root word refers to the heart?
A. Hepat-
B. Cardi-
C. Nephr-
D. Gastr-
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The root word 'cardi-' refers to the heart. It appears in terms such as cardiology (study of the
heart), cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). Accurate
identification of root words ensures correct code assignment for cardiac conditions and procedures.
Why Wrong: A refers to the liver (hepat-), C refers to the kidney (nephr-), D refers to the stomach (gastr-
). Confusing these roots leads to coding errors in different body systems.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026,
Chapter 9: Circulatory System
Memory Aid: Cardi- = CARDIac = HEART (same starting letters)
3. The suffix '-itis' indicates which condition?
A. Surgical removal
B. Inflammation
C. Tumor or mass
D. Enlargement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix '-itis' indicates inflammation of a body part. Examples include appendicitis
(inflammation of the appendix), tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), and dermatitis (inflammation of
the skin). This suffix is one of the most frequently encountered in medical coding and directly affects ICD-
10-CM code selection.
Why Wrong: A describes '-ectomy', C describes '-oma', D describes '-megaly'. Each suffix has a specific
meaning that changes the clinical interpretation.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026 Index
to Diseases
Memory Aid: -itis = INFLAMMATION (think: itis = it IS inflamed)
4. What does the abbreviation 'COPD' stand for?
, A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Cardiac Output Per Day
C. Central Occlusive Peripheral Disorder
D. Chronic Orthopedic Pain Disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive lung disease that
includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is classified under ICD-10-CM codes J44.-. Medical
abbreviations must be understood in context to ensure accurate diagnostic and procedural coding.
Why Wrong: B is a fabricated term, C and D are not recognized medical abbreviations. Misinterpreting
abbreviations leads to coding errors and claim denials.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; ICD-10-CM 2026,
Category J44
Memory Aid: COPD = Can't Obtain Proper breath = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
5. Which anatomical term means 'pertaining to the front of the body'?
A. Posterior
B. Anterior
C. Lateral
D. Proximal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anterior means pertaining to the front of the body or toward the belly side. This directional
term is essential in anatomical documentation and coding, particularly for specifying the location of
procedures and conditions. Posterior means toward the back, lateral means toward the side, and
proximal means closer to the point of origin.
Why Wrong: A means toward the back, C means toward the side, D means closer to the origin of a limb.
Directional terminology precision is vital for correct code assignment.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology; CPT 2026, Surgery
Guidelines
Memory Aid: Anterior = FRONT (A = Ahead)
6. The suffix '-ectomy' means which of the following?
A. Surgical removal or excision
B. Surgical repair
C. Incision into
D. Visual examination
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal or excision of a body part. Examples include
appendectomy (removal of the appendix), cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), and
tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). This suffix distinguishes excision procedures from other surgical
interventions in CPT coding.
Why Wrong: B describes '-plasty', C describes '-otomy', D describes '-scopy'. Confusing surgical suffixes
leads to incorrect CPT code selection.
NHA/CMS Reference: NHA CBCS Study Guide Chapter 1: Medical Terminology; CPT 2026, Surgery
Section Guidelines
Memory Aid: -ectomy = EXIT (removing something from the body)
7. What is the medical term for the thigh bone?
A. Humerus
B. Femur
C. Tibia
D. Fibula
