Free Practice Questions for AAPC CPC Exam

Personal history codes are not appropriate for every encounter. They are reported only when relevant to the reason for the visit. Therefore, option A is false.

45540 = Repair of rectal prolapse, abdominal approach

52332 = Cystourethroscopy with ureteral stent

K62.3 = Rectal prolapse

69209-RT – Removal of impacted cerumen using irrigation

69210-LT – Removal of impacted cerumen using instrumentation

Coding Rules Applied:

Different techniques → different CPT codes

Different ears → RT/LT modifiers, not modifier -50

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A – Modifiers reversed

B / D – Modifier -50 inappropriate when different CPT codes are used

This operative report documents anew permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation: creation of a subcutaneouspocket, placement oftwo transvenous leads(oneatrialand oneventricular) via a peel-away sheath, confirmation of thresholds, and connection/insertion of thepulse generatorinto the pocket with layered closure. CPT pacemaker insertion coding is determined by thenumber of chambers/leads placedduring the session.33208is the correct code for insertion of adual-chamberpermanent pacemaker system (atrial and ventricular leads with generator).33206is for asingle-chamber ventricularsystem and33207is for asingle-chamber atrialsystem, so neither matches a dual-lead implantation. Reporting 33206 and 33207 together is not correct because CPT provides the single comprehensive dual-chamber code when both leads are placed. The fluoroscopic guidance and catheterization lab setting support how the leads were placed but do not change the CPT selection, and “challenging due to agitation” does not by itself create a separate reportable service. Therefore, report33208.

62272 = Lumbar puncture with catheter for CSF drainage

77012 = CT guidance for needle placement

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient underwent a bilateral excisional vasectomy for sterilization.

CPT® Code 55250 represents a bilateral vasectomy with excision, which includes postoperative care. The code already implies a bilateral procedure, so it is not necessary to add the -50 modifier for bilateral designation.

2. Diagnosis and ICD-10-CM Code Selection:

ICD-10-CM Code Z30.2 is used for encounter for sterilization and is the correct code to report for a planned sterilization procedure such as a vasectomy.

Code Z30.012 is specific to encounter for sterilization of a female patient, which does not apply in this male patient scenario.

3. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

55250-50 (in options C and D) is unnecessary because the CPT® code 55250 inherently covers a bilateral vasectomy, and applying the -50 modifier is redundant.

Z30.012 (options B and D) is incorrect as it pertains to female sterilization procedures, not male.

4. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, 55250 is reported without a bilateral modifier, as the procedure inherently covers both sides. Additionally, Z30.2 is the correct ICD-10-CM code for male sterilization procedures.

Thus, the correct answer based on CPT® and ICD-10-CM guidelines is A. 55250, Z30.2.

Thelunulais the pale, crescent-shaped area visible at the base of some fingernails and toenails (most commonly the thumb). It is part of thenail unit, associated with the nail matrix where nail formation occurs. Because the lunula is anail structure, a biopsy “of the lunula” is anail biopsy, even though a punch tool is also commonly used in skin biopsies. CPC exam questions frequently test precise anatomical vocabulary, especially for integumentary structures (skin, nail, hair). The distractors “eye” and “brain” are unrelated, and “skin” is tempting because punch biopsies are typically skin procedures; however, the question specifically identifies thelunula, which is not a skin landmark. Coding and documentation accuracy depend on knowing these terms because nail procedures often have different code families and clinical considerations than routine skin biopsies. Correct identification starts by mapping the term to its anatomical system: lunula → nail apparatus.

99393 = Preventive visit, established patient, age 5–11

Preventive codes are based on age and patient status, not time since last visit

According to ICD-10-CM burn guidelines:

When burns of different degrees occur at the same site, only the highest degree is coded, not separate codes.

The other statements are true:

Necrosis is coded as a non-healed burn

Burn codes include electrical and radiation burns

The highest degree burn is sequenced first

CPT® code 49083 describes an abdominal paracentesis with imaging guidance, such as ultrasound. This code includes the imaging guidance as part of the procedure, so it is not necessary to separately report the ultrasonic guidance.