CPC Practice Questions

The procedure described is a bilateral selective catheterization of the renal arteries. CPT® code 36252 accurately reports "Selective catheter placement(s), bilateral...renal artery(s)...". This code includes the work of the initial abdominal aortogram ("with or without flush aortogram"). The radiological supervision and interpretation (S&I) is coded separately.

The scenario documents both an abdominal aortography and bilateral selective renal angiography. While the S&I for the aortogram (75625) is typically bundled into the S&I for the more specific bilateral selective renal angiography (75724), 75724 is not offered as an option. Given the choices, 75625 represents the S&I for the aortogram that was explicitly performed. The -26 modifier correctly identifies the professional component. Therefore, 36252, 75625-26 is the best available answer.

A. 36251 is incorrect because it describes unilateral (one-sided) renal artery catheterization, but the procedure performed was bilateral (both sides).

B. 36252 is incomplete. It correctly identifies the catheter placement but omits the separately reportable code for the radiological supervision and interpretation (S&I).

C. 36253 is incorrect. This code is for unilateral catheterization that includes accessory renal arteries, which were not mentioned in the procedure note.

1. American Medical Association. (2023). CPT® 2023 Professional Edition.

Page 289: Code 36252 is defined as "Selective catheter placement(s)

bilateral

with or without flush aortogram

renal artery(s)..." This supports the selection of 36252 for the surgical component.

Page 588: The parenthetical note following code 36254 instructs to see codes 75625

75722-75724 for radiological supervision and interpretation

confirming that S&I is reported separately from the catheter placement codes.

Page 600: Code 75625 is defined as "Aortography

abdominal...radiological supervision and interpretation." This supports the use of 75625 for the S&I component described.

2. AAPC. (2023). 2023 CPC Exam Study Guide. Chapter 7: Radiology.

The guide explains that for vascular procedures

there are separate codes for the surgical component (catheter placement) and the radiological component (S&I). It also clarifies that when a non-selective study (like an aortogram) is performed in the same session as a selective study (like a renal angiogram)

the non-selective study is often included in the selective one. However

in a test scenario

one must choose the best code combination from the available options. This principle justifies selecting option D as the most appropriate choice among those provided.

The procedure described is a planned cesarean section. According to the CPT® codebook, the correct code for anesthesia for a cesarean delivery only is 01961. This code is used for scheduled or planned cesarean sections where the patient has not been in labor. The administration of a continuous epidural is the method of anesthesia and is included in the service described by 01961. The fact that the patient is delivering triplets does not alter the selection of the CPT code, although it may be accounted for in the billing of anesthesia base units.

A. 01967, 01968: This combination is incorrect. Code 01967 is for labor analgesia for a planned vaginal delivery, and 01968 is an add-on for when that labor converts to a cesarean delivery. This scenario is a planned cesarean, not a trial of labor.

B. 01958: This code is incorrect as it reports anesthesia for an external cephalic version procedure, which is a procedure to turn a fetus from a breech position, not for the delivery itself.

C. 01967: This code is incorrect because it is specifically for neuraxial labor analgesia for a planned vaginal delivery. It is not used for a planned cesarean section.

1. American Medical Association. (2024). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition.

Reference: Anesthesia Section

Obstetrics Subsection

codes 01958-01969.

Details: The code descriptor for 01961 is "Anesthesia for cesarean delivery only." The descriptor for 01967 is "Neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia for planned vaginal delivery..." The instructional notes clarify that 01968 is an add-on code to be used with 01967 when a cesarean delivery follows labor analgesia. This directly supports 01961 as the correct code for a planned cesarean without labor.

2. AAPC. (2024). 2024 CPC® Study Guide.

Reference: Chapter on Anesthesia Coding

Section on Obstetric Anesthesia.

Details: The study guide delineates the specific circumstances for using obstetric anesthesia codes. It explicitly states that 01961 is used for a scheduled cesarean delivery

whereas the combination of 01967 and 01968 is reserved for situations where labor was managed with neuraxial analgesia prior to the decision for a cesarean delivery.

The procedure described is a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver, which is correctly reported with CPT® code 47000. The physician used ultrasonic guidance to place the needle, which is a separate, reportable service. CPT® code 76942 is used for ultrasonic guidance for needle placement. The -26 modifier (Professional Component) is appended to 76942 to indicate that the physician provided only the supervision and interpretation for the guidance, and does not own the equipment, which is typical in a facility setting.

A. This is incorrect because CPT® code 77002 describes fluoroscopic guidance, not the ultrasonic guidance that was used in the procedure.

B. This is incorrect because CPT® code 10005 is for a fine needle aspiration (FNA) that includes ultrasound guidance; the scenario describes a tissue sample biopsy, not an FNA.

C. This is incorrect because CPT® code 47100 is for an open wedge biopsy of the liver, not a percutaneous needle biopsy, and 77012 is for CT guidance.

1. American Medical Association. (2023). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition.

Code 47000: Under the "Liver" subsection of the "Digestive System

" this code is defined as "Biopsy of liver

needle; percutaneous." (p. 389).

Code 76942: In the "Radiology" section

under "Diagnostic Ultrasound

" this code is defined as "Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (eg

biopsy

aspiration

injection

localization device)

imaging supervision and interpretation." (p. 581).

Appendix A - Modifiers: Modifier 26 is defined as "Professional Component." (p. 869).

2. AAPC. (2023). 2024 CPC Official Certification Study Guide. Chapter 11: Digestive System.

The section on the liver explains that CPT® 47000 is the appropriate code for a percutaneous needle biopsy. It also clarifies that any imaging guidance used during the procedure should be coded separately from the appropriate radiology section.

3. AAPC. (2023). 2024 CPC Official Certification Study Guide. Chapter 14: Radiology.

This chapter details the use of imaging guidance codes. It specifies that 76942 is the correct code for ultrasonic guidance for needle placement and that it is reported in addition to the primary procedure code (e.g.

47000). It also explains the application of modifier 26 for the professional component.

The procedure described is an anastomosis (surgical connection) of an extrahepatic biliary duct to the gastrointestinal tract using a Roux-en-Y limb. CPT® code 47780, Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y, of extrahepatic biliary duct and gastrointestinal tract, precisely matches this description. The key elements from the operative report—"Roux-en-Y," "anastomosis," and "extrahepatic biliary duct"—are all explicitly included in the descriptor for code 47780, making it the correct choice.

A. 47785: This code is for an anastomosis involving the intrahepatic (inside the liver) biliary ducts, not the extrahepatic ducts specified in the question.

C. 47740: This code describes an anastomosis of the gallbladder to the intestinal tract (cholecystoenterostomy), not the biliary duct.

D. 47760: This code is for a direct anastomosis of the extrahepatic biliary ducts, which is a different surgical technique than the specified Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

1. American Medical Association (AMA). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition. Chicago

IL: AMA Press

2023.

Section: Surgery/Digestive System

Biliary Tract.

Page/Code Reference: Code descriptors for 47760

47780

47785

and 47740 confirm the specific anatomical sites (intrahepatic vs. extrahepatic ducts

gallbladder) and surgical techniques (direct vs. Roux-en-Y) that differentiate these codes.

The procedure described is an endovascular repair of a ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm using an aorto-aortic tube endograft. CPT® code 34702 is the correct code as it specifically describes this procedure for a ruptured aorta. The code descriptor for 34702 includes all associated angioplasty performed from the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation, which covers the balloon dilation performed to treat the endoleak at the seal zones.

B. 34701: This code is for the endovascular repair of an infrarenal aorta using an aorto-aortic tube endograft for conditions other than rupture.

C. 34707: This code is for the endovascular repair of an iliac artery, not the aorta, and for conditions other than rupture.

D. 34708: This code is for the endovascular repair of an iliac artery, not the aorta, although it is for a ruptured condition.

1. American Medical Association. (2023). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition.

Page 288

Code 34702: The descriptor for code 34702 is "Endovascular repair of infrarenal aorta by deployment of an aorto-aortic tube endograft...; for rupture including temporary aortic and/or iliac balloon occlusion

when performed." This directly matches the scenario of a ruptured aorta repaired with a tube endograft.

Page 288

Code 34701: The descriptor for code 34701 specifies the procedure is "for other than rupture

" making it incorrect for this case.

Page 289

Codes 34707-34708: The descriptors for these codes specify the repair is of an "iliac artery

" which is anatomically incorrect for the procedure described.

Page 287

Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aorta and/or Iliac Arteries Guidelines: The introductory guidelines state that the base codes (34701-34708) include "all angioplasty/stenting performed from the level of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation." This confirms the balloon dilation is not separately reported.

The procedure described is an open treatment for a patellar dislocation, as indicated by the surgical incision. The documentation explicitly states, "the entire patella is freed and removed," which constitutes a total patellectomy. CPT® code 27566 is the correct code as it describes an open treatment of a patellar dislocation, which may include a partial or total patellectomy. The modifier -LT is appended to indicate the procedure was performed on the left knee.

A. 27562-LT: This code is for a closed treatment of a patellar dislocation. The procedure described involved an incision, making it an open treatment.

B. 27552-LT: This code is for a closed treatment of a knee (tibiofemoral) dislocation, not an open treatment of a patellar dislocation.

C. 27556-LT: This code is for an open treatment of a knee (tibiofemoral) dislocation, which is anatomically different from the patellar dislocation described.

1. American Medical Association. (2022). CPT® 2023 Professional Edition.

Section: Musculoskeletal System

Femur (Thigh Region) and Knee Joint

Manipulation.

Page/Code: 27566. The code descriptor states: "Open treatment of patellar dislocation

with or without partial or total patellectomy." This directly matches the procedure performed.

Page/Code: 27562. The descriptor specifies "Closed treatment of patellar dislocation; requiring anesthesia

" which is incorrect as the procedure was open.

Page/Code: 27556. The descriptor specifies "Open treatment of knee dislocation

" which is incorrect as the dislocation involved the patella

not the main knee joint.

2. AAPC. (2022). CPC Official Study Guide. Chapter 11: Musculoskeletal System.

The section on the knee joint distinguishes between codes for tibiofemoral joint dislocations (knee dislocations) and patellar dislocations. It clarifies that open procedures require direct visualization through an incision

while closed procedures do not. The guide instructs coders to select 27566 for open repair of a patellar dislocation

especially when a patellectomy is performed concurrently.

The patient is 4 years old and meets critical-care criteria (acute respiratory failure requiring continuous bronchodilator therapy, cardiovascular monitoring, and possible mechanical ventilation). CPT instructs that initial inpatient pediatric critical-care services for children aged 2 through 5 years are reported with 99471. Codes 99291-99292 are used for critical care of patients older than the pediatric range defined in CPT, while 99285 is an emergency-department service and not reportable once the child is admitted to the PICU. Code 99475 applies to children 6-11 years. Therefore, 99471 is the single, most specific E/M code for this encounter.

A. 99285 – High-level ED visit; not billable after transfer of care to PICU and inpatient status.

B. 99475 – Pediatric critical care initial, ages 6-11; patient is only 4.

C. 99291 – General critical care, but CPT directs use of pediatric codes (99468-99476) for patients ≤5 years.

1. AMA. CPT® Professional 2023

code descriptor 99471 and parenthetical notes

pp. 36-37.

2. AMA. CPT® 2023 “Critical Care Services and Pediatric Critical Care” guidelines

para. 3 under “Inpatient Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care

” p. 35 (defines age ranges and code use).

3. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Management of Respiratory Failure in the PICU

” Pediatrics 144(2):e20192712

2019

Introduction (affirms respiratory failure constitutes critical illness). DOI:10.1542/peds.2019-2712.

4. Stanford University School of Medicine

Pediatrics ICU Course Notes

Section “Age-specific CPT Coding

” 2022

p. 4 (reinforces use of 99471 for 2-5 yr critical care).

A0429 designates “Ambulance service, basic life support, emergency transport.”

Because the crew provided BLS care in response to a 911 call, the transport meets CMS’s definition of an emergency BLS run (CMS Pub-100-04, Ch. 15 §30.2).

Modifier pair −SH indicates origin Scene of accident (S) and destination acute-care Hospital (H) (§20.1).

Modifier QN is used when the ambulance is furnished directly by a provider of services (e.g., a hospital-based ambulance responding to 911) (§30.2.7).

Therefore the complete code is A0429-QN-SH.

A. A0426 is Advanced Life Support, non-emergency; does not match BLS or emergency nature.

C. A0427 represents ALS emergency; wrong service level and reversed destination modifier (-HS).

D. A0428 is BLS non-emergency and modifier order is reversed; does not describe an emergency response.

1. 2024 HCPCS Level II Professional Edition

A0426–A0429 code descriptors

p. 290.

2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Claims Processing Manual

Pub 100-04

Ch. 15: “Ambulance

”

§20.1 Origin/Destination Modifiers; §30.2 Definition of Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Transport; §30.2.7 Modifiers QM & QN.

3. 42 CFR §410.40(b)(1) – Definition of BLS emergency ambulance services.

The procedure described is the initial placement of tissue expanders in the scalp to facilitate future repair of a defect. CPT® code 11960, "Insertion of tissue expander(s) for other than breast, including subsequent expansion," accurately captures this service. The code specifies a location "other than breast" (the scalp, in this case) and includes the initial insertion as well as the subsequent injections (e.g., saline) to expand the device, as detailed in the operative note.

B. 11970 describes the replacement of a tissue expander with a permanent prosthesis, which is a subsequent procedure, not the initial insertion.

C. 15777 is for implanting absorbable mesh for delayed closure of defects in specific areas like the abdomen or perineum, not a tissue expander on the scalp.

D. 19357 is specific to breast reconstruction procedures and is anatomically incorrect for a procedure performed on the scalp.

1. American Medical Association (AMA). (2023). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition.

Section: Surgery/Integumentary System

Repair (Closure)

Page/Code: 11960. The code descriptor explicitly states

"Insertion of tissue expander(s) for other than breast

including subsequent expansion." This directly aligns with the described procedure of inserting an expander in the scalp and beginning the expansion process.

Page/Code: 11970

15777

19357. The descriptors for these codes clearly define different procedures

anatomical locations

or types of implants not relevant to the scenario.

2. AAPC. (2023). 2024 CPC® Official Study Guide.

Chapter: Integumentary System

Section: Repair (Closure)

Tissue Expanders. The guide explains that code 11960 is used for the insertion of a tissue expander in any area except the breast and that this code bundles the work of subsequent expansions. This confirms that the saline injection is part of the service described by 11960.

According to the CPT® guidelines for Repair (Closure), the use of tissue adhesive as the sole material for a simple laceration repair is not reported with a separate CPT code. This service is considered part of the Evaluation and Management (E/M) service provided. Therefore, the 2 cm laceration on the nose repaired with tissue adhesive is not coded.

The 3 cm simple laceration on the arm, repaired with sutures, is coded. The CPT code series for simple repairs of the extremities is 12001-12007. Code 12002 represents a simple repair of the extremities measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm, which accurately describes the 3 cm arm laceration.

A. 12013: This code is for a simple repair of the face/nose, but the method (tissue adhesive) is not separately reportable with a repair code.

B. 12032, 12041-59: These codes describe intermediate-level repairs, whereas the scenario specifies simple repairs for both lacerations.

D. 12002, 12011-59: This option incorrectly reports the nose repair (12011). Simple closure with tissue adhesive is included in the E/M service.

1. American Medical Association (AMA). (2023). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition.

Section: Integumentary System

Repair (Closure)

Introduction.

Page/Paragraph: In the introductory guidelines for Repair (Closure)

it is stated: "The use of tissue adhesive as the sole repair material is included in the fee for the evaluation and management (E/M) service and is not separately reportable."

Code Descriptor for 12002: "Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp

neck

axillae

external genitalia

trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm."

2. AAPC. (2023). CPC® Official Study Guide.

Chapter: Integumentary System

Section on Repair (Closure).

Page/Paragraph: The study guide reiterates the AMA CPT® guideline that simple wound closure using only tissue adhesive is bundled into the E/M service and should not be coded using the repair codes (12001-12018). It clarifies that these codes are for closures using sutures

staples

or wound tapes.