CCA CPT, HCPCS & Modifiers Practice Questions
CPT, HCPCS & Modifiers makes up 4 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest CCA practice test. Here are 10 of the 16 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Weighted to the AHIMA CCA Exam Content Outline. Original questions on coding guidelines and concepts; not affiliated with AHIMA.
1. Category II CPT codes are used to:
- A.Report unlisted procedures
- B.Track performance measures
- C.Report emerging technology
- D.Bill for drugs and supplies
Answer: B. Category II codes are supplemental tracking codes for quality and performance measurement, formatted as four digits and an F. Emerging technology is Category III.
2. In CPT, a triangle before a code means:
- A.It is an add-on code
- B.It is exempt from 51
- C.The code is brand new
- D.The text was revised
Answer: D. The triangle marks a code whose descriptor changed in this edition. A bullet marks a new code and a plus sign marks an add-on code.
3. A CPT add-on code, marked with a plus sign, is:
- A.Never reported alone
- B.Only billed by facilities
- C.Always reported first
- D.Reduced with modifier 51
Answer: A. Add-on codes describe extra work and are reported only with their primary procedure code. They are exempt from modifier 51.
4. A CPT code marked with the null symbol (a circle with a slash) is:
- A.A resequenced code
- B.A telemedicine service
- C.Exempt from 51
- D.Never paid by Medicare
Answer: C. The null symbol marks codes exempt from the multiple procedure modifier 51. Resequenced codes are marked with a number sign.
5. A code designated "separate procedure" may be reported when it is:
- A.Done by an assistant
- B.Done in the global period
- C.Done alone or separately
- D.Part of a larger procedure
Answer: C. A separate procedure is usually a component of a larger one and is not reported with it. It can be reported when done alone or when distinct, such as at a separate site, with a modifier.
6. When reporting an unlisted procedure code, the claim should include:
- A.A description of it
- B.A Category II tracking code
- C.Modifier 52 on the code
- D.Modifier 22 on the code
Answer: A. An unlisted code says nothing about the service, so payers need documentation, such as the operative report, describing what was done, the time and effort and a comparable code.
7. Which modifier identifies a service on a separate organ or structure?
- A.XU
- B.XE
- C.XP
- D.XS
Answer: D. XS is separate structure. XE is separate encounter, XP is separate practitioner and XU is an unusual non-overlapping service.
8. CMS says modifier 59 should be used only when:
- A.Both sides are treated
- B.No better modifier fits
- C.An X modifier is also used
- D.The E/M is significant
Answer: B. Modifier 59 marks a distinct procedural service, but CMS asks that it be used only when no more descriptive modifier, such as an X{EPSU} modifier, applies.
9. A procedure with a unilateral descriptor is done on both sides in one session. Append modifier:
- A.59
- B.50
- C.51
- D.76
Answer: B. Modifier 50 reports a bilateral procedure performed at the same session. Modifier 51 is for multiple different procedures and 76 is a repeat procedure.
10. Modifier 51 reports:
- A.A procedure on both sides
- B.A reduced service
- C.A repeat by the same doctor
- D.Multiple procedures
Answer: D. Modifier 51 shows that more than one procedure was done at the same session by the same provider. A repeat by the same physician is 76, bilateral is 50 and reduced is 52.
Practice all 16 cpt, hcpcs & modifiers questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free CCA training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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