Important AAPC CPC Exam Questions

Answer: B

Explanation:

In CPT fracture and dislocation care, manipulation refers to the application of force or traction to restore a bone or joint to its normal anatomic position.

This is a key distinction between with manipulation and without manipulation, which directly affects CPT code selection (e.g., 23505 vs. 23500).

Manipulation may be performed closed (no incision) or open (with incision).

Answer: D

Explanation:

1. Procedure and CPT Code Selection:

The patient underwent a lymphangiography of both arms in an outpatient radiology setting to evaluate suspected lymphangitis.

CPT Code 75803 is for bilateral lymphangiography of an extremity. This code covers lymphangiography procedures where multiple images are obtained in the study of lymphatic channels and nodes in an extremity.

2. Modifier for Bilateral Procedure:

Modifier 50 is applied to indicate that the procedure was performed bilaterally (on both arms). This modifier appropriately reflects the bilateral nature of the lymphangiography.

3. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 75801 is for lymphangiography of a single extremity and does not apply to bilateral procedures.

Code 75801-50 (option B) would indicate bilateral use of a code meant for a single extremity, which is not appropriate when a specific bilateral code, 75803, is available.

Option C, without the bilateral modifier, would not indicate that both arms were examined.

4. AAPC and CPT Coding Guidelines:

AAPC guidelines specify using 75803 for bilateral lymphangiography procedures of extremities, and Modifier 50 is applied for clarity on bilateral involvement.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. 75803-50.

Answer: A

Explanation:

In the ICD-10-CM Tabular List, square brackets [ ] (Brackets) are used to enclose synonyms, alternative wording, or explanatory phrases. This is a punctuation convention taught for ICD-10-CM and is tested on CPC.

To avoid confusion with other punctuation:

Parentheses ( ) indicate nonessential modifiers (supplementary words that may be present or absent without affecting the code selection).

A semicolon ( ; ) is used in the Tabular List to show that additional modifying words (that follow the semicolon) are required to complete the diagnostic statement.

Colons ( : ) are used after an incomplete term that needs one or more modifying terms to make it assignable.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Malignant lesion destruction CPT 17260--17286

Trunk/extremities

0.6--1.0 cm 17261

1.1--2.0 cm 17262

Both lesions are reported separately.

Answer: C

Explanation:

1. Procedure and CPT Code Selection:

The test performed is a therapeutic drug assay to measure the concentration of vancomycin in the patient's blood.

CPT Code 80184 is specific for a therapeutic drug assay of vancomycin, making it the correct code to report for this test.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 80197 is used for therapeutic drug assays of another antibiotic, gentamicin, and does not apply to vancomycin.

Code 80202 is for measuring the levels of cyclosporine, another drug, and is not relevant to vancomycin.

Code 80299 is for an unlisted therapeutic drug assay, which is unnecessary since a specific code (80184) exists for vancomycin.

3. AAPC and CPT Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, specific therapeutic drug assay codes, like 80184 for vancomycin, should be used when available.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. 80184.