CPC Exam Dumps - AAPC Certified Professional Coder Questions and Answers

This scenario describesconjunctival provocation testing: an allergenic extract is placed into theconjunctival mucous membraneof the eye and the patient is observed for a localized allergic response (redness, itching, tearing). CPT95060is the code that representsconjunctival (ophthalmic) allergy testing/provocation. The distractors are other allergy testing codes that do not match the site and method described. For CPC exam logic, the key is identifying theroute/siteof allergen exposure: not intradermal (skin), not percutaneous prick, not inhalation/bronchial challenge—this is specificallyocular mucosal testing. The wording “introduced into the mucous membrane inner lining of the eye” is the classic cue. Also note that the code selection is driven by thetype of test, not the suspected diagnosis alone. Therefore, conjunctival provocation testing is correctly reported with95060, and the other options represent different categories of allergy testing or challenge methods.

99213-25 = E/M with separate procedure

87880 = Rapid strep test

J02.0 = Streptococcal pharyngitis

Symptoms are not reported with definitive diagnosis

CPT Code 55706: Biopsy, prostate; needle, transperineal, stereotactic template guided saturation sampling, including imaging guidance.

This code accurately describes the procedure performed. The documentation clearly states that a stereotactic template was used to guide the biopsy needles, and multiple samples were taken (saturation biopsies). This code includes imaging guidance.  

CPT Code 76942: Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), imaging supervision and interpretation.  

Although 55706 includes imaging guidance, code 76942 is also reported separately because the transrectal ultrasound provided initial diagnostic images and was then used for guidance during the biopsy. This is supported by the documentation which states " Using a B & K ultrasound probe, a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate was obtained. Once this was done...a biopsy needle is inserted into the prostate...under ultrasound guidance. " This indicates distinct uses of the ultrasound.

Important Note: While some sources suggest that 76942 and the diagnostic transrectal ultrasound code (76872) are bundled, it ' s crucial to consult the latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits for the most up-to-date guidance.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient underwent a needle biopsy of the liver using CT guidance to obtain two core biopsy samples.

CPT® Code 47000 is for a percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver, which covers the liver biopsy procedure.

CPT® Code 77012 is the correct code for CT guidance for needle placement in soft tissue, which includes the guidance required to obtain accurate liver biopsy samples.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 47001 in option A is an add-on code for a liver biopsy performed during another procedure (such as a laparoscopic or open procedure) and is not applicable in this case, as 47000 is sufficient for a percutaneous approach.

Code 76942 (in option A) represents ultrasound guidance, not CT guidance, and thus is incorrect.

Code 77002 (in option B) is used for fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement, which is not applicable since CT guidance was used.

Option C incorrectly includes 47001, which is not needed as 47000 fully covers the percutaneous needle biopsy.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, 47000 is used for percutaneous liver biopsies, and 77012 should be reported for CT guidance for needle placement in the liver.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. 47000, 77012.

Established patient with moderate MDM

99214 aligns with CPC exam standards

98012 = Telephone E/M, 11–20 minutes

99447 is for interprofessional consults, not patient calls

HCPCS LEVEL II

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).

Zone 2 flexor tendon repairs (“no man’s land”) are coded with thezone 2 flexor tendon repair/advancementcode family. Because the case specifieszone 2 FDP tendon repairof the index finger, the correct tendon repair code is26356(zone 2 flexor tendon repair/advancement; primary, without free graft, each tendon). The associateddigital nerve repairis separately reported with64831(suture of digital nerve; one nerve). Since both procedures are performed in the same operative session, the secondary procedure commonly carriesmodifier -51for multiple procedures when required by payer/claim conventions (as reflected in the answer choices). The operative note specifically states use of anoperating microscopefor microsurgical nerve repair, which supports add-on code69990(microsurgical techniques requiring operating microscope), reportedonce per sessionandnotwith modifier 51. Therefore, the only fully correct option including tendon, nerve repair, and microscope reporting isA.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The test performed is a quantitative, high-sensitive fluorescent enzyme immunoassay to measure specific IgE for recombinant peanut components.

CPT® Code 86008 is specific for allergen-specific IgE testing for recombinant or component-resolved allergens. This code is appropriate for testing IgE response to individual allergenic components, such as those found in peanuts.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 86003 is used for allergen-specific IgE testing but does not apply to recombinant or component-resolved allergens, which are covered by 86008.

Code 86001 is for total IgE testing and does not measure specific allergens.

Code 86005 is for a general allergy screening (not specific IgE or component testing) and is not appropriate for component-resolved peanut allergen testing.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

According to AAPC guidelines, 86008 should be used for specific IgE testing related to recombinant allergens or component testing.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. 86008.

Spirometry performedbefore and after bronchodilatoris coded with94060. That code includes the pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry components as a single bundled service, so it already captures the “before and after” testing. The scenario also lists measurements like vital capacity/breathing capacity and flow volume, but the defining element for coding is thebronchodilator responsiveness testingcaptured by 94060. For diagnosis, “intermittent asthma with exacerbation” maps toJ45.21(mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation). CodeJ45.901represents “unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation” and is not as specific as the documented intermittent asthma. Options using94070do not represent spirometry pre/post bronchodilator testing; they are different pulmonary testing codes. CPC exam focus: choose the most specific asthma diagnosis available and recognize that94060already includes the pre/post testing, so adding a separate basic spirometry code in the same session is typically not correct, but the test’s options explicitly pair 94060 and 94010—within those choices, optionBcorrectly matches the diagnosis specificity.