AAPC AAPC-CPC Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

AAPC AAPC-CPC Online Questions & Answers

• Question 191:

  According to the Repair (Closure) CPT guidelines, what type of repair is reported when a single layer closure includes copious irrigation and extensive cleaning to remove particulate matter?

  A. Simple repair
  B. Complex repair
  C. Intermediate repair
  D. Simple repair plus a code for irrigation
  C. Intermediate repair

• Question 192:

  A patient undergoes right thyroid lobectomy for malignancy and removal of a suspicious parathyroid gland.

  What CPT(R) codes are reported?

  A. 60500, 60210-59
  B. 60505, 60240-59
  C. 60505, 60220-59
  D. 60500, 60220-59
  D. 60500, 60220-59

  ---

  Explanation

  60220 = Total lobectomy, unilateral thyroid

  60500 = Parathyroidectomy or exploration of parathyroid(s)

  Modifier -59 is appropriate to indicate a distinct procedure when supported by documentation.

• Question 193:

  A patient undergoes angioplasty with stent placement in the left iliac artery.

  What CPT(R) coding is reported?

  A. 37258
  B. 37267, 37263
  C. 37258, 37254
  D. 37267
  D. 37267

  ---

  Explanation

  37221 = Iliac artery stent placement, initial vessel.

  Angioplasty, when performed in the same vessel, is included in the stent placement code and is not reported separately.

  Therefore, the correct code should be 37221.

• Question 194:

  

  Refer to the supplemental information when answering this question: View MR 354859.

  What CPT(R) and ICD-10-CM coding is reported?

  A. 28820-T2, I70.262, L97.528
  B. 28820-T2, L97.528, I70.262
  C. 28810-T2, L97.528, I70.262
  D. 28810-T2, I70.262, L97.528
  B. 28820-T2, L97.528, I70.262

  ---

  Explanation

  28820-T2 = Amputation of toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint, reported for the left third toe.

  I70.262 = Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, left leg.

  L97.528 = Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of left foot with other specified severity.

  The ulcer code is reported with the vascular condition to fully describe the documented condition.

  Therefore, the correct answer is B. 28820-T2, L97.528, I70.262.

• Question 195:

  A 3-day-old died in her sleep. The pediatrician determined this was the result of crib death syndrome. The parents give permission to refer the newborn for a necropsy. The pathologist receives the newborn with her brain and performs a gross and microscopic examination. The physician issues the findings and reports they are consistent with a normal female newborn.

  What CPT code is reported?

  A. 88028
  B. 88012
  C. 88029
  D. 88014
  C. 88029

• Question 196:

  A patient presents with fever, cough, SOB, and fatigue. PCR test is positive for COVID-19. Final diagnosis: pneumonia due to COVID-19.

  What ICD-10-CM coding is reported?

  A. U07.1, J12.82
  B. U07.1, J20.9
  C. U07.1, J18.9
  D. U07.1, J20.8
  A. U07.1, J12.82

  ---

  Explanation

  U07.1 = COVID-19.

  J12.82 = Pneumonia due to COVID-19.

  This follows COVID-19 coding guidelines for confirmed cases.

• Question 197:

  A patient undergoes coronary angiography for chest pain. Coronary arteries are normal, and CAD is ruled out.

  What CPT(R) and ICD-10-CM codes are reported?

  A. 93455, R07.9
  B. 93455, I25.10, R07.9
  C. 93454, R07.9
  D. 93454, I25.10, R07.9
  C. 93454, R07.9

  ---

  Explanation

  93454 = Coronary angiography.

  R07.9 = Chest pain, unspecified.

  CAD is not reported when it is ruled out.

• Question 198:

  A patient in a radiology facility has an X-ray examination of her thoracolumbar junction due to pain while playing golf. The patient also has limited mobility in the hip. A radiologist takes two views of the thoracolumbar junction.

  What CPT(R) code is reported?

  A. 72020
  B. 72114
  C. 72080
  D. 72084
  C. 72080

  ---

  Explanation

  72080 - Radiologic examination, spine; thoracolumbar junction, 2 views Correct anatomy and number of views

  Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

  72020 - Single view only 72114 / 72084 - Complete spine or scoliosis series

• Question 199:

  According to the ICD-10-CM Guidelines, what code is reported as an additional code when the blood pressure of a patient with hypertension remains above goal in spite of the use of antihypertensive medications?

  A. I10, Essential (primary) hypertension
  B. A code from category I27, Other pulmonary heart diseases
  C. I1A.0, Resistant hypertension
  D. A code from category I16, Hypertensive crisis
  C. I1A.0, Resistant hypertension

  ---

  Explanation

  According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines, I1A.0 (Resistant hypertension) is used as an additional code to indicate hypertension that remains above goal despite the use of antihypertensive medications. Resistant hypertension is coded to highlight the severity of the patient's condition and the difficulty in managing blood pressure. This code is added as a secondary code to reflect the persistent elevation of blood pressure despite medication.

  Option A: I10 (Essential hypertension) is a general code for primary hypertension but does not specify resistance to treatment.

  Option B: A code from category I27 is related to pulmonary heart diseases, not directly related to hypertension management issues.

  Option D: A code from category I16 (Hypertensive crisis) is used for hypertensive emergencies or urgencies, which are acute episodes, not persistent uncontrolled hypertension despite treatment.

  Thus, the correct answer is C. I1A.0, Resistant hypertension.

• Question 200:

  A patient presents for surgery due to recurrent lumbar radiculopathy at a previously operated spinal level.

  The surgeon performs a repeat exploration laminotomy with bilateral foraminotomy to decompress nerve roots at the L1-L2 interspace.

  No additional spinal levels are treated.

  What CPT(R) coding is reported?

  A. 63042-50, 63044, 63044
  B. 63042-50, 63044-50
  C. 63030-50, 63035-50
  D. 63030-50, 63035-50-51
  B. 63042-50, 63044-50

  ---

  Explanation

  This is a repeat decompression at a previously operated lumbar level, described as "repeat exploration laminotomy," which aligns with the re-exploration code family rather than a primary discectomy code. The procedure includes bilateral foraminotomy at a single lumbar interspace, L1-L2, meaning it is performed on both sides at the same level.

  CPT 63042 represents a re-exploration laminotomy for decompression at a lumbar interspace and includes decompression components such as foraminotomy when performed at that same interspace. Because the work is performed bilaterally, modifier -50 is appended when supported by payer rules.

  Code 63044 is for each additional lumbar interspace and is not appropriate because no additional spinal levels are treated.

  Codes 63030 and 63035 are associated with primary lumbar discectomy/decompression coding patterns, not the documented repeat exploration laminotomy at a previously operated level.

  Therefore, 63042-50 is the correct code.