AAPC Updated CPC Exam Questions and Answers by libby

33779 = Arterial switch operation (definitive repair)

33955 = Open central cannulation for ECMO

33985 = ECMO management

Modifier -58 = staged/related procedure

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient underwent an open partial colectomy involving the removal of the proximal colon and terminal ileum with reconnection of the distal ileum to the remaining colon.

CPT® Code 44160 is specific for an open partial colectomy with removal of a portion of the colon and the terminal ileum with an ileocolostomy (reconnection of the ileum to the colon). This accurately describes the procedure performed.

Code 44140 is for a partial colectomy without removal of the terminal ileum, making it inappropriate in this case.

Codes 44205 and 44204 involve laparoscopic approaches for colectomy procedures, but since this procedure was open, these codes are not suitable.

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

ICD-10-CM Code C18.2 is for a malignant neoplasm of the ascending colon, which is specified in this case as colon adenocarcinoma.

Code C18.9 represents an unspecified malignant neoplasm of the colon, which is less specific than C18.2. Therefore, C18.2 is the most accurate choice based on the location of the adenocarcinoma.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

Per AAPC guidelines, selecting the correct colectomy code involves identifying the specific approach (open vs. laparoscopic) and anatomical structures resected, both of which align with 44160 for this open ileocolic resection.

Thus, the correct answer, based on CPT® and ICD-10-CM guidelines, is D. 44160, C18.2.

The key phrase is“wedge excision of the skin of the nail fold”with removal of a wedge-shaped portion ofsoft tissueat the nail margin. This describesexcision of the nail and nail matrixprocedures used for ingrown toenails when the nail margin and/or matrix is treated more definitively than a simple avulsion. CPT11765is used forwedge excision of skin of nail fold(the classic code for the wedge excision approach). By contrast,11730representssimple avulsion of the nail plate(removal of nail plate), which does not match a wedge excision of the nail fold soft tissue.11750describesexcision of nail and nail matrix(more matrix-focused wording) and is a common distractor; however, the vignette specifically emphasizes wedge excision of thenail fold.11755relates to nail procedures that do not match this scenario. The “TA” modifier indicatesleft great toefor anatomical specificity on the claim.

99464 = Attendance at delivery with initial stabilization

99465 is used when resuscitation is required

99460 is for normal newborn care after birth