AAPC Updated CPC Exam Questions and Answers by ashley

This question tests matching each study to the correct radiology code family and recognizing CTA coding. Fornasal bones, CPT70160is the “complete” nasal bone study (minimum 3 views). Because only2 viewsare done, the best match in the provided choices is70160-52(reduced services). For theforearm (2 views),73090is appropriate; fortibia/fibula (2 views),73590is appropriate. ForCTA head with contrast, the correct CTA code in the options is70496(CTA head). Option C is the only choice that correctly includes70496and the correct extremity X-ray codes73090and73590and also handles nasal bones as reduced service. The chest portion is imperfectly represented across the options (3-view chest typically aligns with a higher-view chest code than 71047), but the CPC-style best answerwithin the provided optionsisCbecause it captures the key intended learning targets: nasal bones reduced, correct extremity radiographs, and correct CTA head code.

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).

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The procedure involves a tympanoplasty with a radical mastoidectomy to remove a cholesteatoma in the middle ear. Additionally, the procedure includes ossicular chain reconstruction and grafting to repair the eardrum.

CPT® Code 69646 is appropriate for tympanoplasty with a radical mastoidectomy, including removal of the cholesteatoma and ossicular chain reconstruction. This code accurately describes the combination of tympanoplasty, radical mastoidectomy, and ossicular chain reconstruction, making it the correct choice.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 69643 describes a tympanoplasty with a simple mastoidectomy, which is not appropriate since a radical mastoidectomy was performed.

Code 69645 covers a tympanoplasty with radical mastoidectomy but does not include ossicular chain reconstruction, which was part of this procedure.

Code 69641 is for a tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy, making it incorrect for this case.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC and CPT® guidelines, 69646 is the appropriate code when a tympanoplasty includes a radical mastoidectomy with ossicular chain reconstruction, as documented in this case.

Therefore, the correct answer based on CPT® guidelines is D. 69646.

The patient presented for a follow-up visit for chronic conditions, including hypokalemia, hypertension, and esophageal reflux. During this visit, the physician reviewed and discussed lab results, managed prescriptions, and noted that there were no new symptoms or complaints.

The level of service provided included an appropriate history and exam, as well as the management of multiple chronic conditions, which aligns with the criteria for CPT® code 99214. This code is used for an established patient office or other outpatient visit that requires at least 2 of the following 3 key components: a detailed history, a detailed examination, and medical decision-making of moderate complexity.

CPT® Professional Edition, AMA

Evaluation and Management Coding Guidelines