CPC Exam Preparation Lecture

Introduction

• Speaker: Victoria, a medical coder, auditor, educator, and content creator
• Experience: Over 15 years in the medical coding industry
• Purpose: Helping individuals pass certification exams and become more confident in medical coding

CPC Exam Overview

• Format:
  • 100 questions
  • 4-hour duration
  • Open book exam
• Allowed Materials:
  • Code books: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM
  • AMA edition of the CPT book required
• Not Allowed:
  • Training textbooks (e.g., AAPC, Bucks)

Passing Criteria

• Score Requirement:
  • 70% (70 correct answers out of 100)
• Question Breakdown: (from AAPC website)
  • 4 questions on Medical Terminology
  • 4 questions on Anatomy
  • 3 questions on Compliance and Regulatory
  • 7 questions on Coding Guidelines
  • 5 questions on ICD-10-CM
  • 3 questions on HCPCS
  • CPT Breakdown:
    • 6 questions per series (10,000 to 60,000)
    • 6 Radiology questions
    • 6 Pathology and Lab questions
    • 6 Medicine questions
    • 6 Evaluation and Management questions
    • 4 Anesthesia questions
  • 10 case studies (multiple choice)

Sample CPC Exam Questions

Question 1: Bilateral Screening Mammogram

• Procedure: Screening mammography
• Correct Code: 77067
• Details:
  • Bilateral in description; no need for modifier 50
  • Other codes (e.g., 77066) pertain to diagnostic, not screening

Question 2: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Cholangiogram

• Procedure: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intra-operative cholangiogram
• Correct Code: 47563
• Details:
  • Focus on laparoscopic section
  • Rule out codes not for laparoscopic approaches

Complex Example: Lesion Removal

• Factors to Consider:
  • Benign or malignant
  • Location and size
  • Closure type
• Example Details:
  • Squamous cell carcinoma on left forearm, 3 cm
  • Intermediate closure required (coded separately)
  • Skin tags removal noted separately
• Correct Answer:
  • Codes 11603, 12032, 11200

Question 3: Fistula Revision for Hemodialysis

• Procedure: Revision of autogenous radiocephalic fistula
• Correct Code: 36832
• Strategy:
  • Look at code similarities (368 series)

Question 4: Feeding Tube Placement

• Procedure: Placement of a feeding tube
• Correct Code: 43752
• ICD Code: K31.84 (Gastroparesis)
• Details:
  • Rule out unrelated ICD codes (e.g., diabetes-related)

Exam Strategy Tips

• Fast Methods:
  • Starting with CPT section directly
  • Assessing potential answers quickly
• Optimization:
  • Consider time efficiency when deciding to use the index or direct section
  • Review potential answers before delving into details

Conclusion

• Engagement: Encourage comments for further types of questions or better formats.
• Next Steps: Continue practicing with various case studies for better preparation.