AAPC Updated CPC Exam Questions and Answers by navy

For the procedure involving access to the subclavian vein and advancing a catheter to the inferior vena cava for injection and imaging, the following codes are used:

36010 for the catheter placement.

75825-26 for the supervision and interpretation of the imaging.

Modifier -26 indicates the professional component of the radiological supervision and interpretation.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The scenario describes the excision of a 5 cm tumor located in the left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall. The tumor was excised down to the dermis and subcutaneous layers and removed using electrocautery.

Code 22903 is appropriate for the excision of a soft tissue tumor in the abdominal wall greater than 5 cm, making it the correct CPT® code.

Code 22901 applies to the excision of a soft tissue tumor in the abdominal wall but only for tumors 5 cm or less. Given that the tumor in this case is exactly 5 cm, it meets the threshold for 22903, which is more appropriate here.

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

ICD-10-CM Code D49.2 is used for a neoplasm of unspecified behavior in the abdominal area, reflecting the fact that the pathology report is pending to determine if the tumor is malignant.

Code C76.2 would be incorrect because it is for malignant neoplasms of unspecified abdominal areas, which we cannot confirm based on the initial excision. Similarly, R19.04 (indicating a mass in the abdominal region) is a symptom code and is not appropriate for a definitive diagnosis when a neoplasm code (D49.2) exists.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

Per AAPC coding guidelines, the size of the tumor is critical in selecting the correct excision code for abdominal wall neoplasms. Additionally, if the tumor’s pathology is not confirmed as malignant, it is coded as a neoplasm of unspecified behavior until further details are known.

Therefore, based on CPT® and ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, the verified answer is B. 22903, D49.2.

The prefix “sub-” means below or under.

Common examples include subcutaneous (below the skin) and sublingual (under the tongue).

This is a core concept tested under medical terminology on the CPC exam.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient underwent X-ray imaging of the abdomen with multiple views: decubitus, supine, and erect. This is a comprehensive study that includes different positioning to evaluate the abdomen.

CPT® Code 74022 is appropriate for an abdominal X-ray with a minimum of three views. This code accurately reflects the multiple views taken in this scenario.

2. Modifier 26:

Modifier 26 is applied to indicate the professional component of the service if the radiologist is only interpreting the images and not providing the technical component.

3. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 74018 (in option A) is for a single view of the abdomen, which does not apply here since multiple views were taken.

Code 74019 (in option C) covers two views of the abdomen, which is insufficient for this three-view study.

Code 74021 (in option D) represents an abdominal X-ray with more limited or focused views and does not align with the comprehensive three-view study described.

4. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC and CPT® guidelines, 74022 is the correct code when an abdominal X-ray study involves at least three views, capturing various positions for a thorough examination.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. 74022-26.