AAPC Updated CPC Exam Questions and Answers by cayden

20552 = Injection(s); single or multiple trigger points, 1–2 muscles

Total muscles injected = 2 (trapezius + pectoralis)

Number of injections does not determine code selection—number of muscles does

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The emergency department physician placed an indwelling catheter into the lumbar region for continuous infusion for pain management with fluoroscopic guidance.

CPT® Code 62327 is appropriate for injection or catheter placement for continuous infusion of anesthetic or analgesic in the lumbar or sacral region using imaging guidance.

CPT® Code 77003 represents the fluoroscopic guidance used during the catheter placement, which is separately reportable in this case.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 62326 (in options B and D) is for the injection or catheter placement without imaging guidance. Since fluoroscopic guidance was specifically mentioned, 62327 is the appropriate choice.

Code 77003 must be reported separately when fluoroscopy is used in conjunction with 62327 for pain management catheter placement.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, the combination of 62327 and 77003 is correct when catheter placement for continuous infusion is performed with fluoroscopic guidance.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. 62327, 77003.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient required surgical intervention for severe ocular trauma involving removal of a foreign body from the posterior segment of the eye, suturing of the corneal laceration, and a pars plana lensectomy.

CPT® Code 65265 is for removal of a foreign body from the posterior segment of the eye without the use of a magnet. This code is appropriate for the removal of the metallic foreign body using retinal forceps.

CPT® Code 66852 covers the pars plana lensectomy, which was performed as part of the surgical treatment.

CPT® Code 65280 is used for repairing a corneal laceration with multiple perforations, which applies to the corneal suturing.

2. Modifiers:

Modifier RT is used to indicate that the procedures were performed on the right eye.

Modifier 51 is added to indicate multiple procedures performed during the same surgical session.

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

ICD-10-CM Code S05.51XA is appropriate for penetrating wound of the right eyeball with a foreign body in the posterior segment.

ICD-10-CM Code W31.1XXA is used to indicate that the injury was caused by contact with a metalworking and woodworking machine.

4. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Codes 65235 and 65275 in options B, C, and D refer to foreign body removal from the anterior chamber and the anterior segment, respectively, which are not appropriate since the foreign body was located in the posterior segment.

Codes S05.31XA and W31.0XXA in options C and D represent different eye injuries and types of machines, which do not match the scenario described.

5. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, codes should be selected based on the specific location (posterior segment) and the type of foreign body removal. Each procedure, including the corneal repair, should be coded to capture the full extent of the treatment.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 65265-RT, 66852-51-RT, 65280-51-RT, S05.51XA, W31.1XXA.

The case describes two primary surgeons working together, which supports modifier 62 (co-surgeons) on the spine fusion/discectomy codes.

22556 = primary level anterior thoracic discectomy and fusion (T2–T3)

22585 = each additional thoracic level (T4–T5)

20931 = structural allograft (reported by the surgeon who solely performed/placed the structural allograft, per the statement—Surgeon Z)

Why D fits best:

Surgeon X performed the approach/exposure and closure and assisted the primary surgeon → reports the co-surgeon spine procedure codes (22556-62, 22585-62).

Surgeon Z performed the discectomy/fusion and solely performed utilizing a structural allograft → reports 22556-62, 22585-62, plus 20931.

Options with -51 are not correct here (and add-on/related reporting logic in CPT does not support the way -51 is applied in those options).