CPC ® | Certified Professional Coder | Certified Exam Study – Anesthesia Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025/2026

CPC ® | Certified Professional Coder | Certified Exam Study – Anesthesia Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025/2026 What is the primary factor in determining the anesthesia code for a procedure? The type of surgery performed and the patient’s medical condition are the primary factors used to determine the anesthesia code. How do you code anesthesia for a patient undergoing a complex, prolonged surgical procedure with an extensive recovery time? You should use the base unit value for the specific anesthesia code and add time units for any extended periods of anesthesia administered. When coding anesthesia for a pediatric patient, what is an important consideration to take into account? Pediatric patients may have different base unit values and require a different anesthesia code based on age and weight. What is the correct way to handle anesthesia coding when a procedure is done under monitored anesthesia care (MAC)? When a procedure is done under MAC, you code for the anesthesia service using the specific code for MAC rather than a general anesthesia code. If an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia during a surgery but does not directly monitor the patient, how should the anesthesia service be coded? You should code for anesthesia as "anesthesia services without direct monitoring" and ensure that the documentation reflects this distinction. In a case where a patient undergoes an anesthesia block, what is the correct way to report the anesthesia services? The block anesthesia should be reported separately from general anesthesia using the appropriate anesthesia block code. 1 What is the protocol for coding anesthesia when the anesthesia service is performed in conjunction with a procedure not typically requiring anesthesia? You would report the anesthesia service according to the procedure performed, ensuring that the anesthesia services reflect the complexity and duration of the procedure, regardless of standard practice. How do you report anesthesia for a patient who is receiving regional anesthesia for a bilateral procedure? Anesthesia for bilateral procedures is coded with the bilateral anesthesia code, ensuring that the modifier for bilateral procedures is included when applicable. What should be included in the anesthesia report to justify the time spent on anesthesia services? The anesthesia report should include the start and end time of the anesthesia, any complications, the type of anesthesia administered, and any other services provided during the anesthesia administration. When a patient experiences complications under anesthesia, how should this be handled in coding? Any complications that occur under anesthesia should be documented, and the appropriate CPT and ICD-10 codes should be used to report the complication and the impact on the anesthesia service. How should you handle anesthesia coding for a patient who undergoes a cesarean section and has a simultaneous tubal ligation? You should code for the anesthesia service for the cesarean section and add the appropriate modifier for the simultaneous tubal ligation to reflect the additional complexity. If anesthesia is administered for a diagnostic procedure that does not involve surgery, how should you code it? For diagnostic procedures, you use the specific anesthesia code for the procedure performed, ensuring the level of anesthesia required for the diagnostic process is accurately documented. What is the main factor when coding anesthesia for an outpatient procedure? 2 The type of procedure, along with the patient's health status and the complexity of the anesthesia required, should be considered when coding anesthesia for outpatient procedures. When coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing a hysterectomy, what is essential to document? The type of hysterectomy performed, as well as any additional procedures (e.g., bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), must be clearly documented to ensure accurate anesthesia coding. How is anesthesia coded for a patient who undergoes a bronchoscopy with biopsy? Anesthesia for a bronchoscopy with biopsy is coded using the appropriate MAC (monitored anesthesia care) code if sedation is administered during the procedure. How do you code anesthesia for a patient undergoing a spinal fusion surgery? Anesthesia for spinal fusion surgery is coded based on the base units for the specific type of anesthesia (e.g., general, regional) and the complexity of the procedure. When should you use modifier 47 in anesthesia coding? Modifier 47 should be used when the anesthesia services are provided by the surgeon performing the procedure, indicating that the anesthesia was a distinct part of the surgical procedure. How do you report anesthesia for a patient who is pregnant and undergoing an elective cesarean section? Anesthesia should be coded using the appropriate anesthesia code for cesarean section, ensuring that pregnancy and any complications are documented to reflect the additional risks. What should be documented when anesthesia is administered for a diagnostic arthroscopy? The anesthesia report should include the type of anesthesia used (e.g., general or regional) and any complications or extended monitoring needed during the arthroscopy. When coding anesthesia for a patient with a history of severe allergies to anesthesia, what must be noted? The patient’s allergy history must be documented in detail, as this may impact the selection of anesthesia agents and the complexity of anesthesia administration. 3 How is anesthesia for a patient undergoing a cholecystectomy coded if the surgery is performed laparoscopically? For a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the appropriate anesthesia code for laparoscopic procedures is used, with base units adjusted based on the complexity of the procedure. What is the appropriate way to code anesthesia for a patient undergoing a combined procedure, such as a hip replacement and a knee arthroscopy? When multiple procedures are performed, anesthesia services should be reported separately, using the correct codes for each procedure and including any modifiers to reflect the combination of surgeries. How do you report anesthesia for a patient who is undergoing an emergency laparotomy for trauma? Anesthesia for an emergency laparotomy should be coded with the appropriate emergency surgery anesthesia codes, reflecting the complexity and urgent nature of the procedure. How should anesthesia be coded for a patient receiving regional anesthesia for a total knee replacement? Regional anesthesia for a total knee replacement should be reported using the regional anesthesia code, including any additional time units if the anesthesia is prolonged. When anesthesia is provided for a cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, what should be documented? The type of anesthesia provided (general or local) and the complexity of the procedure should be clearly documented, ensuring the code reflects the cosmetic nature of the surgery. How is anesthesia coded for a patient undergoing a colon resection for cancer? The anesthesia code should reflect the complexity of the colon resection procedure, with additional time units added if the surgery is prolonged or complex. What is the correct procedure for coding anesthesia services provided during a cardiac surgery? Cardiac surgery anesthesia should be coded using the appropriate anesthesia codes for open heart procedures, with additional codes to reflect any complications or extended anesthesia duration. 4 5 How do you report anesthesia for a patient undergoing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)? Anesthesia for a TURP procedure is coded using the specific anesthesia code for urologic surgeries, with time units adjusted based on the duration of anesthesia. How do you code anesthesia when a patient has a documented history of malignant hyperthermia? The history of malignant hyperthermia should be documented, and the anesthesia provider should use the appropriate code reflecting the special precautions and anesthesia protocol followed to manage the risk. What is the proper way to report anesthesia for a patient receiving a nerve block during an orthopedic procedure? Nerve blocks are coded separately from general anesthesia, using the appropriate block code based on the location and type of block administered. What should be included in the anesthesia report for a patient undergoing a brain tumor resection? The anesthesia report should include the type of anesthesia administered, the duration, and any complications or additional monitoring needed due to the complexity of brain surgery. How is anesthesia coded for a patient undergoing a hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage (D&C)? Anesthesia for hysteroscopy with D&C is coded using the appropriate anesthesia code for gynecological procedures, considering the complexity and duration of the anesthesia. What is the correct approach when coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing an organ transplant procedure? Anesthesia for organ transplants should be coded based on the type of organ transplant, ensuring that both the base unit values and any complications are documented in detail. When coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing a procedure involving both regional and general anesthesia, how should this be handled? Both the regional and general anesthesia should be coded separately, with the appropriate modifiers to reflect the distinct anesthesia services provided. 6 How is anesthesia for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy coded? Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy anesthesia is coded with the appropriate anesthesia code for bariatric surgery, ensuring the complexity of the procedure is reflected in the base unit and time units. What should be included when coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing a vaginal delivery with epidural anesthesia? The anesthesia report should include the type of anesthesia (epidural) and any complications, as well as the time spent providing anesthesia during the delivery. When anesthesia is provided for a patient undergoing a diagnostic bronchoscopy with a biopsy, how should it be coded? Anesthesia for diagnostic bronchoscopy with biopsy should be reported with the appropriate anesthesia code for the procedure, considering the complexity and type of anesthesia used. How do you report anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a bilateral hip replacement surgery? Anesthesia for bilateral hip replacements should be coded with the appropriate bilateral anesthesia code, including modifiers to reflect the dual procedure. What is the correct coding procedure when anesthesia is administered for a patient undergoing a thyroidectomy? Anesthesia for thyroidectomy should be coded with the appropriate general anesthesia code, ensuring that any additional complications or prolonged anesthesia are reflected in the coding. How do you code anesthesia when the provider performs a nerve block for pain management before a major surgical procedure? The nerve block should be coded separately from the anesthesia for the main surgical procedure, using the appropriate nerve block anesthesia code. How should anesthesia be coded for a patient undergoing an esophagectomy? Anesthesia for esophagectomy should be coded using the appropriate code for thoracic procedures, adjusting for any complications or extended anesthesia duration. 7 What is the proper way to report anesthesia for a patient undergoing a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction? Anesthesia for a double mastectomy with reconstruction should be coded based on the complexity of the procedure, including modifiers if the reconstruction is bilateral. How is anesthesia for a patient undergoing a liver transplant coded? Anesthesia for liver transplant is reported using the specific anesthesia code for organ transplants, ensuring that both the type of surgery and any complications are considered. When a patient undergoes a laparoscopic appendectomy with anesthesia, how should this be reported? The anesthesia services for a laparoscopic appendectomy should be reported using the laparoscopic anesthesia code, reflecting the duration and complexity of the procedure. What should be considered when coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing an elective knee replacement surgery? The type of anesthesia (e.g., general, regional) should be coded with the corresponding base unit value, reflecting the complexity and expected duration of the procedure. How should anesthesia services be reported for a patient undergoing a mastectomy with lymph node dissection? Anesthesia for mastectomy with lymph node dissection should be reported using the appropriate anesthesia code for the surgery, with any additional time units added for the complexity. When a patient undergoes a total abdominal hysterectomy, how should anesthesia be coded? Anesthesia for a total abdominal hysterectomy is reported using the appropriate anesthesia code for gynecological procedures, reflecting the base units and any extended time spent under anesthesia. How is anesthesia for a patient undergoing a hernia repair surgery coded? Anesthesia for a hernia repair surgery is coded using the general anesthesia code for the procedure, ensuring that the type of surgery and duration are properly documented. 8 What should be documented when coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing a C-section with a tubal ligation? The anesthesia report should reflect both the cesarean section and the tubal ligation procedures, ensuring that the complexity and duration are captured for both surgeries. In cases where anesthesia is administered for a dental procedure, how is this typically coded? Dental anesthesia is coded separately, using the anesthesia codes specifically designed for dental procedures, considering the complexity and duration. How do you report anesthesia services for a patient undergoing both an elective and emergent procedure at the same time? The anesthesia should be reported for the more complex or emergent procedure, reflecting the increased complexity and potential complications associated with the emergent procedure. What is the key factor to consider when coding for anesthesia services in a patient with multiple co morbid conditions? The patient's comorbidities affect the base unit value and the complexity of anesthesia, which should be reflected in the anesthesia code. How do you code anesthesia for a patient who requires intensive monitoring during surgery? For intensive monitoring, the anesthesia service is coded with the appropriate base unit for the procedure, plus any additional time units for the extended monitoring. In a case where anesthesia is provided for a patient undergoing an abortion, how should it be reported? Anesthesia for abortion procedures is reported using the specific anesthesia codes for the procedure, based on the type and complexity of the anesthesia administered. When coding anesthesia for a patient undergoing a procedure with a significant risk of complications, what should be noted in the coding report? You should document the increased risk and potential complications, which may affect the anesthesia base unit value and the final coding of the anesthesia service. 9 How do you handle anesthesia coding when it is administered for a patient in a critical care setting? Anesthesia administered in a critical care setting should be reported with the appropriate anesthesia code for the procedure, plus modifiers if applicable to indicate the critical care aspect. When anesthesia services are provided in an outpatient facility, what specific consideration must be made during coding? The anesthesia services in an outpatient facility must be reported with the appropriate anesthesia codes, ensuring that the base unit and any time units reflect the outpatient setting. What should be done when a patient requires both general anesthesia and a nerve block during surgery? You would report both the general anesthesia and the nerve block as separate services, each with its own appropriate anesthesia code. If a patient experiences an allergic reaction to anesthesia, how does this impact the coding? The allergic reaction should be documented as a complication, and appropriate codes for both the complication and any additional anesthesia services or treatments should be included. How do you code anesthesia for a patient who undergoes a laparoscopic procedure with a long recovery time? Laparoscopic procedures with extended anesthesia duration should be reported with the appropriate laparoscopic anesthesia code and additional time units if the anesthesia is prolonged. In cases where anesthesia services are bundled with the surgical procedure, how should you report them? You should report the anesthesia as bundled with the surgical procedure using the specific anesthesia code assigned to the surgical procedure, without unbundling unless explicitly stated. What is the correct way to handle anesthesia coding when it is performed by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? If a CRNA administers anesthesia, you report the anesthesia services under the same coding guidelines, but you should include the appropriate modifier to indicate the provider type. When a patient is receiving anesthesia for a minimally invasive procedure, what should be the focus when coding? You should ensure the anesthesia code reflects the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, with base unit values adjusted accordingly. What should be noted in the anesthesia coding when a patient is obese or has other complicating factors? The obesity or complicating factors should be noted as they may affect the anesthesia service complexity and base unit assignment. How do you code for anesthesia when a procedure requires both sedation and regional anesthesia? For combined sedation and regional anesthesia, each anesthesia service should be coded separately, with modifiers to reflect the type of anesthesia administered. In a scenario where a patient is receiving anesthesia for a diagnostic colonoscopy, what is the proper coding method? You would report the appropriate anesthesia code for a colonoscopy, considering whether the anesthesia provided is general or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Here are new, unique, and fresh questions for the CPC® Certified Exam Study – Anesthesia, focusing on complex and commonly failed ones. The answers are marked with before the correct option: What anesthesia code should be used when the anesthesia is provided for a diagnostic bronchoscopy with biopsy under general anesthesia? 00600 00400 00100 00790 Which modifier should be applied if a patient receives anesthesia services by an anesthesiologist who is also the surgeon during the same procedure? 00400 10 11 00100 QX 00790 What is the correct CPT code for anesthesia services provided for a hysterectomy, vaginal approach, performed under general anesthesia with a duration of 120 minutes? 00840 00790 00100 00210 When an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia for a cesarean section performed under general anesthesia, how is the anesthesia time recorded? From the time the anesthetic is administered until the patient is awake and responsive From the time the incision is made until the closure of the incision From the time the surgery starts to the time the patient is discharged from recovery From the time the catheter is inserted until the patient regains consciousness Which of the following anesthesia CPT codes is appropriate for a patient undergoing a total knee replacement under general anesthesia lasting 150 minutes? 00532 01402 00561 00102 When performing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the anesthesia provider administers a regional block. What is the correct modifier for this procedure? 00100 00740 QS 12 00410 What would be the anesthesia code for a patient receiving anesthesia during a procedure involving the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm under general anesthesia, lasting 180 minutes? 00665 00790 00562 00210 In a case where an anesthesia provider performs the anesthetic management for a patient undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft surgery under general anesthesia for a duration of 250 minutes, which modifier is most appropriate to use? 00400 QY 00210 00791 Which anesthesia CPT code should be used for a diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy performed under general anesthesia with a total time of 45 minutes? 00100 00790 00532 00600 What anesthesia code is appropriate for a total hip replacement under general anesthesia lasting 180 minutes, with no complications? 01402 00100 00790 00532 If an anesthesiologist provides anesthesia for a patient undergoing an endoscopic sinus surgery under local anesthesia, with the patient’s conscious sedation, which CPT modifier should be used? 00400 QS 00100 00532 Which of the following is true about anesthesia billing for a patient undergoing a scheduled, non emergency knee arthroscopy with a general anesthetic, lasting 90 minutes? The anesthesia code reflects the time spent under anesthesia, starting from induction until recovery. The time is only billed from when the incision is made to when the surgery is completed. The anesthesia code must reflect the patient’s age and pre-existing conditions. The code is based on the complexity of the surgical procedure alone, not the duration. What code should be used for anesthesia provided for an emergency craniotomy for tumor resection under general anesthesia with a duration of 300 minutes? 00100 00792 00561 00160 When an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia for a patient undergoing a laparotomy for bowel obstruction under general anesthesia, the total time spent under anesthesia is 140 minutes. What is the correct CPT code? 00791 00100 00620 00810 13 If a pediatric patient receives anesthesia during a tympanoplasty under general anesthesia for 90 minutes, which of the following anesthesia codes would be appropriate? 00600 00532 00100 00300 An anesthesiologist is called to provide anesthesia for a patient undergoing an emergency endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm under general anesthesia for 180 minutes. Which modifier should be used to indicate this was an emergency procedure? QZ QY QX 23 When performing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia, which code should be used for an anesthesia time of 150 minutes? 00790 00400 00100 00840 What is the appropriate CPT code for anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a thoracotomy for lung resection, performed under general anesthesia, lasting 220 minutes? 00561 00790 00620 00568 If an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia for a patient undergoing a coronary angiogram with stent placement under monitored anesthesia care, which CPT modifier would be most appropriate? 14 15 QX QS QY QZ What is the correct CPT code for anesthesia provided for a lumbar laminectomy under general anesthesia, lasting 110 minutes? 01402 00791 00840 00532 For a patient undergoing a thyroidectomy under general anesthesia for 120 minutes, what is the most appropriate anesthesia code? 00792 00100 00561 00300 If anesthesia is provided for a patient undergoing a right total hip replacement under general anesthesia lasting 180 minutes, what code would be used for anesthesia billing? 00532 01402 00790 00665 An anesthesiologist provides anesthesia for a patient undergoing a cholecystectomy under general anesthesia for 100 minutes. What is the correct anesthesia CPT code for this procedure? 00790 00561 00840 00600 If a patient undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia for 120 minutes is billed for anesthesia, which modifier would be used to reflect that the anesthesia was provided by an anesthesiologist and not a CRNA? QX QY QY QZ When performing anesthesia for a patient undergoing an open appendectomy under general anesthesia for 75 minutes, which CPT code should be used? 00740 00100 00840 00532 What anesthesia code should be used for a patient undergoing a prostatectomy under general anesthesia lasting 200 minutes? 00790 00532 00840 00100 If an anesthesiologist is required to perform anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic bariatric surgery under general anesthesia for 140 minutes, what CPT modifier would be appropriate? QZ QY QX 16 QZ 01382-P1 Anesthesia services for knee arthroscopy, diagnostic on 36-year-old healthy patient Modifier-59 usually would not be utilized. anesthesia services. 00534-P3 Modifier -59 would usually not be utilized for reporting Anesthesia services for replacement of pacing cardioverter-defibrillator on a 68-year-old male patient with severe sick-sinus syndrome 00921-P1 01830-P1 old 01400-P1 healthy male True Anesthesia for vasectomy for a 45-year-old normally healthy male patient Anesthesia services for open repair fracture, radial fracture, normally healthy 25-year Anesthesia services for arthroscopic knee meniscectomy, left, for a 37-year-old normally While no one but the anesthesiologist/CRNA may utilize anesthesia codes, the anesthesiologist may utilize codes per CPT guidelines from the surgery section when necessary. 01382-P1 healthy female 01744-P1 healthy patient Modifier -23 services? 00142-P2 Anesthesia services for diagnostic knee arthroscopy, right, for a 38-year-old normally Anesthesia services for repair of malunion of humerus, right, on a 52-year-old normally Which of the following modifiers would specifically be utilized only for anesthesia Anesthesia services for cataract extraction on a 55-year-old male with hypertension 17 P1 Physical status modifier assigned for a normal healthy patient. 3 When anesthesia is calculated in 15 minute increments, 9:00 to 9:50 would be calculated as how many units? 26600-47 fracture 00520-P1 01464-P1 healthy patient Time Regional anesthesia administered by surgeon in performance of closed metacarpal Anesthesia services for bronchoscopy, diagnostic, on a healthy 35-year-old male Anesthesia services for diagnostic ankle arthroscopy, right, for a 39-year-old normally Anesthesia codes from the anesthesia section of CPT Physical status modifiers and qualifying circumstances 00752-P1 Anesthesia is coded as Anesthesia services for repair of incisional hernia on a 25-year-old, normal healthy male 00797-P1 patient Anesthesia services for gastric stapling for morbid obesity, 38-year-old normally healthy 00400-P1, 99100 month-old 00580-P3 Anesthesia services for laceration repair, finger, right, in a normally healthy 9 Anesthesia for heart transplant on a 62-year-old male, with several severe systemic diseases 00944-P1 Vaginal hysterectomy anesthesia on normally healthy patient 18 00530-P3, 99100 Anesthesia services for permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation, 72 year-old with severe atrial fibrillation 00320-P1 1 Anesthesia services for thyroidectomy, 36-year-old normally healthy female When anesthesia is calculated in 15 minute increments, 10:00 to 10:10 would be calculated as how many units? Patient is in otherwise good health. P1 indicates CPT codes assigned by the surgeon lie in the surgery or medicine section and that by the anesthesiologist in anesthesia section. The CPT codes the surgeon utilizes for coding should always be identical to those assigned by the anesthesiologist. 00400-P1 Anesthesia services for multiple laceration repairs of the left leg, 2.5 cm knee, 2.5 cm t ibia, 1.5 cm ankle on a 37-year-old normally healthy patient 00910-P3 01830-P1 healthy patient Anesthesia for cytoscopy, diagnostic, patient with severe hypertension Anesthesia services for open carpal tunnel repair, right, on a 38-year-old normally 00566-P3, 99100, 99140 Anesthesia services for CABG without pump oxygenator, 74-year-old, emergency with severe systemic disease True The surgeon should never use anesthesia codes even when he provides anesthesia as part of his surgical procedure. 00567-P3 disease Anesthesia services for CABG with pump oxygenator, 69-year-old with severe systemic 19 01622-P2 Anesthesia services for diagnostic arthroscopy of the right shoulder, patient with mild hypertension, 39 years of age 00520-P2 Anesthesia for bronchoscopy with biopsy, patient with mild hypertension 20