Free CPC® Practice Test with Rationales

What this set covers

Explanations are written in our own words and point to the codebook section or guideline to check. Use your own current CPT® and ICD-10-CM books for code descriptions. You see the answers only after you respond.

1. A dermatologist removes 22 skin tags from a patient’s neck and both axillae with scissors during one session. How is this reported?
2. An established patient is seen in the physician’s office. The documentation supports a moderate level of medical decision making (MDM). Which E/M code applies?
3. A patient has essential hypertension and chronic kidney disease, stage 4. The provider does not explicitly link the two conditions. Which codes are correct?
4. At a scheduled follow-up for diabetes and hypertension, the physician performs and documents a full, separately identifiable E/M service. During the same visit, the physician also incises and drains a simple skin abscess. Which modifier belongs on the E/M code?
5. A physician documents "dysphagia". What problem does the patient have?
6. A patient has a 2.0 cm laceration of the scalp and a 3.0 cm laceration of the right forearm. Both are closed with simple repairs. How are the repairs reported?
7. A patient is seen for right lower quadrant abdominal pain. After workup, the physician documents a final diagnosis of acute appendicitis (no perforation, abscess or peritonitis documented). Which ICD-10-CM coding is correct?
8. During a screening colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist removes one polyp from the sigmoid colon using a snare technique. Which CPT® code reports the procedure?
9. A procedure is performed on both the right and left sides of the body during the same operative session. The code’s description does not already say the procedure is bilateral. Which CPT® modifier indicates this?
10. A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus has chronic kidney disease, stage 3a. Which codes are correct?
11. A chest X-ray is performed with frontal and lateral views (two views). Which CPT® code applies?
12. A wound is documented on the "distal" forearm. Where is it located?
13. Two years ago a patient saw Dr. Lee, a family physician. Today the patient sees Dr. Patel, also a family physician in the same group practice, for the first time. How is the patient classified for E/M coding?
14. An asymptomatic, average-risk 50-year-old has a screening colonoscopy. No abnormalities are found. Which first-listed diagnosis code is correct?
15. An operative report describes an "appendectomy". What does the suffix "-ectomy" tell the coder about the procedure?