Ccs Sample Questions
Ccs Sample Questions
1. A patient was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of bronchial asthma.
Upon reviewing the record, the coder notes the patient was described as having
prolonged and intractable wheezing, airway obstruction not relieved by
bronchodilators, and a decreased PAO2 lab value. The physician should be
queried to determine whether the code for ___________is appropriate as the
principal diagnosis:
2. A patient was admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration and malnutrition.
His blood sugar was elevated. The patient is a known alcohol abuser.
Intravenous fluid replacement was given to hydrate the patient, who signed out
against medical advice after two days. Final diagnoses were: severe dehydration
with malnutrition and adult-onset diabetes vs. early cirrhosis associated with
alcoholism. The principal diagnosis is:
A. Adult-onset diabetes
B. Alcohol abuse
C. Cirrhosis of liver due to alcoholism
D. Severe dehydration
Encephalitis
infectious (acute) (virus) NEC 049.8
postinfectious NEC 136.9 [323.6]
The diagnosis listed by the physician is encephalitis after infection. Which of the
following represents the correct coding and sequencing?
A. 049.8
B. 323.6
C. 136.9; 323.6
D. 049.8; 136.9
A. Complication of dialysis
B. Heartburn
C. Renal disease
D. Unstable angina
7. A patient was being treated for gastric ulcer with hemorrhage, cirrhosis of liver,
portal hypertension, and esophageal varices. Of the following medications, which
would indicate a possible complication or comorbid condition that would impact
DRG reimbursement?
A. 996.69
B. 996.53
C. 998.82
D. 998.89
9. The coding supervisor conducts weekly quality controls to assess the accuracy of
coded data. Which of the following codes listed as the principal diagnosis is the
only code appropriate for principal diagnosis assignment?
10. A patient with a complaint of cough(786.2) was referred by his physician to the
outpatient department for a chest x-ray (V72.5) to rule out pneumonia (486). The
results were negative. Which of the following is the appropriate sequencing?
A. V72.5; 786.2
B. 786.2
C. V72.5; 486
D. V72.5
11. A patient came to the emergency department with hypotension and tachycardia.
Upon examination, the patient’s condition was determined to be the result of a
tetanus toxoid vaccine administered four hours earlier. Which of the following is
the appropriate sequencing?
The patient was brought to the operating room, and after adequate spinal
anesthesia, the right lower extremity was prepped and draped. A transverse
incision was carried down through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The soft
tissues were dissected. The lesion was curetted from the bone, revealing a cavity
approximately 5.0 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width. The cavity was irrigated and
the margins electrocauterized. A specimen that was sent for frozen section was
consistent with aneurysmal bone cyst. The subcutaneous tissue was closed with
2-0 Vicryl, and the skin was closed with 4-0 nylon. A sterile dressing was applied.
The patient tolerated the procedure well. Which of the following CPT procedures
is to be coded?
13. A cardiovascular procedure that is unfamiliar to the coder is performed, and the
procedural name used by the physician does not appear in the CPT index. In
such a situation, what should the coder do first?
A. Ask the physician to review the codes in the cardiovascular section of CPT
B. Assign a similar cardiovascular procedure code
C. Postpone coding the specific procedure until a code is established by the
AMA
D. Use an unlisted procedure code from the cardiovascular section
14. A patient has six actinic keratoses destroyed cryosurgically. What should be
referenced under the CPT index?
A. Excision, lesion, skin (malignant)
B. Excision, lesion, skin (benign)
C. Lesion, skin, excision
D. Lesion, skin, destruction
A. 19125; 19290
B. 19125
C. 19120; 19125
D. 19120; 19290
Instructions and official guidelines for coding medical records are included in the
following resources: ICD-9-CM, CPT, UHDDS, Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM and CPT
Assistant. However,
hospitals and other organizations may develop their own procedures in the absence of
approved guidelines. To ensure consistent coding, the following procedures have been
developed for use in the CCS examination. The procedures do not supersede or
replace official coding advice and guidelines included in the resources identified
above.
These procedures are to be used only in completing the CCS examination. They will be
provided to test takers as part of the examination packet. Not adhering to these
procedures may result in the miscoding of an exercise, which may result in the
deduction of points when the item is scored.
Inpatient Coding
3. Code other diagnoses that coexist at the time of admission, that develop
subsequently, or that affect the treatment received and/or the length of stay. These
represent additional conditions that affect patient care in terms of requiring clinical
evaluation, therapeutic treatment, diagnostic procedures, extended length of
hospital stay, or increased nursing care and/or monitoring. (Coding Clinic for ICD-9-
CM, Second Quarter 1990.)
C. Code diagnoses of chronic systemic or generalized conditions that are not under
active management when a physician documents them in the record and that may
have a bearing on the management of the patient. For example: Admission for
breast mass; diagnosis is carcinoma. Patient is blind and requires increased care.
Code the breast carcinoma and blindness.
D. Code status post previous surgeries or conditions likely to recur that may have a
bearing on the management of the patient. For example: Admission for pneumonia;
status post cardiac bypass surgery. Code the pneumonia and status post cardiac
bypass surgery (V code).
E. Do not code status post previous surgeries or histories of conditions that have no
bearing on the management of the patient. For example: Admission for pneumonia;
status post hernia repair six months prior to admission. Code only the pneumonia.
F. Do not code localized conditions that have no bearing on the management of the
patient. For example: Admission for hernia repair; the patient has a nevus on his leg
that is not treated or evaluated. Code only the hernia and its repair.
G. Do not code abnormal findings (laboratory, x-ray, pathologic, and other diagnostic
results) unless there is documentary evidence from the physician of their clinical
significance. For example: Admission for elective joint replacement for degenerative
joint disease. The laboratory report shows a serum sodium of 133; no further
documentation addresses this laboratory result. Code only the degenerative joint
disease and the replacement surgery. For example: Admission for elective joint
replacement for degenerative joint disease. The laboratory report shows a low
potassium level, and the physician documents hypokalemia. Intravenous potassium
was
administered by the physician for hypokalemia. Code the degenerative joint disease,
the replacement surgery, and hypokalemia.
H. Do not code symptoms and signs that are characteristic of a diagnosis. For
example: A patient has dyspnea due to COPD. Code only the COPD.
I. Do not code condition(s) in the Social History section that has no bearing on the
management of the patient.
4. Do not assign External Cause of Injury and Poisoning Codes (E codes), except
those that identify the causative substance for an adverse effect of a drug that is
correctly prescribed and properly administered (E930-E949).
6. Code all procedures that fall within the code range 01.01 through 86.99, but do not
code 57.94 (Foley catheter).
7. Do not code procedures that fall within the code range 87.01 through 99.99. But
code procedures in the following ranges:
87.51-87.54 Cholangiograms
87.74 and 87.76 Retrogrades, urinary systems
88.40-88.58 Arteriography and angiography
92.21-92.29 Radiation therapy
94.24-94.27 Psychiatric therapy
94.61-94.69 Alcohol/drug detoxification and rehabilitation.
96.04 Insertion of endotracheal tube
96.70-96.72 Mechanical ventilation
98.51-98.59 ESWL
99.25 Chemotherapy
2. Sequence the ICD-9-CM code so that the first diagnosis shown in the medical record
is the one chiefly responsible for the outpatient services provided during the
encounter/visit.
A. Chronic diseases that are treated on an ongoing basis may be coded and
reported as many times as the patient receives treatment and care for the
condition(s).
B. Code all documented conditions that coexist at the time of the encounter/visit that
require or affect patient care, treatment, or management.
4. Do not assign External Cause of Injury and Poisoning Codes (E codes), except
those that identify the causative substance for an adverse effect of a drug that is
correctly prescribed and properly administered (E930-E949).
7. Assign CPT codes for all surgical procedures that fall in the surgery section.
8. Assign CPT codes from the following ONLY IF indicated on the case cover sheet:
a) Anesthesia section
b) Medicine section
c) Evaluation and management services
section
d) Radiology section
e) Laboratory and pathology section
9. Assign CPT/HCPCS modifiers for hospital-based facilities, if applicable.
Case No. 1
DISCHARGE SUMMARY
Medications on Admission:
Percocet 1Ð2 tablets p.o. q4 h prn pain, heparin sulfate 5,000 units subcutaneously q
12 hours, Colace 100 mg p.o. b.i.d.
Past Medical History:
The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy in the 1960s for uterine fibroids. She underwent cholecystectomy in 1988
and has undergone cesarean section once in the past. At the time of her laparotomy in
12/90 she was found to have a deep vein thrombosis in the right femoral vessel, and a
Greenfield filter was placed at that time. She has been maintained on heparin since
then.
Physical Examination:
The patient is a short, female, awake, alert, and fully oriented in no acute distress.
Blood pressure 120/75, respirations 18, pulse 88 and regular, temperature
36.8¼Celsius. Skin: Full turgor. HEENT: Normocephalic, atraumatic. Pupils equal,
round, and reactive to light and accommodate. Extraocular muscles intact. Oropharynx
without lesions. Neck: Supple without adenopathy. Lungs: Clear to percussion and
auscultation. Cardiac: Regular rhythm and rate. Point of maximal impulse not displaced.
S1 and S2 without rub, gallop, or murmur. Abdomen: Active bowel sounds, soft and
nontender. Scar present in the right upper quadrant and in the midline. No palpable
organomegaly. Pelvic/Rectal: Deferred. Extremities: Without clubbing, cyanosis, or
edema. Neurologic: Mental status fully intact. Cranial nerves intact, with the exception of
cranial nerve VIII, which shows moderate hearing loss. Motor and sensory intact
throughout.
Hospital Course:
The patient was admitted to the Medical Oncology Ward and underwent an evaluation
at the time of admission. She was hydrated aggressively. She received
cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 intravenously with cis-platinum 75 mg/m2. She received
aggressive fluid hydration and was monitored for toxicity throughout her hospital stay.
Careful attention was paid to her inputs and outputs as well as her electrolyte balance.
Serum electrolytes remained normal throughout the hospital stay. CA-125 level
obtained at the time of this admission had returned to normal limits.
Disposition:
The patient was discharged home in good condition to return to the Medical Oncology
Clinic in May. She was also scheduled to undergo reevaluation by the Gynecologic
Oncology Service on the same day. A CT scan of the abdomen was also requested to
be scheduled at that time.
Discharge Medications:
Heparin 5,000 units subcutaneously bid, Compazine 25 mg per rectum q 8 h prn
nausea, Ativan 1 mg p o q 6 h prn nausea.
Admitted: 4/28
Identification/Chief Complaint:
A 68-year-old female with primary peritoneal epithelioid carcinoma who is admitted for
her sixth cycle of chemotherapy.
Since her last discharge, the patient has been feeling generally well until approximately
one week prior to admission, when she developed ear pain. This was evaluated by a
local physician and has subsequently been resolved. She denies recent fevers, chills,
or sweats, and has been undertaking her usual activities of daily living. Her appetite
has been good, and her bowel habits have been regular.
Medications:
On admission, cimetidine 300 mg p.o. qhs, Percocet 1-2 tablets p.o. q 4 h prn pain,
heparin sulfate 5,000 units subcutaneously q 12 hr, Colace 100 mg p.o. b.i.d.
Social History:
The patient is married with two children and resides in the area. She previously smoked
tobacco, but has not done so for many years. She does not consume alcohol.
Family History: The patient’s family history is negative for neoplastic diseases.
Review of Systems:
Neurologic
The patient denies history of head trauma, seizure disorder, or focal neurologic deficits.
Cardiac
The patient denies prior myocardial infarction, exertional dyspnea, or palpitation.
Gastrointestinal
The patient denies a history of hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or melena.
Endocrine
The patient denies history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or thyroid disorder.
Physical Examination
General Appearance:
The patient is a short female, who is awake, alert, and fully oriented in no acute
distress.
Vital Signs: Blood pressure 120/75, respirations 18, pulse 88, and regular, temperature
36.8¼Celsius.
Eyes:
Pupils equally round and reactive to light and accommodate. Extraocular muscles intact.
Oropharynx without lesions.
Cardiac: Point of maximal impulse nondisplaced. S1, S2 without gallop, rub, or murmur.
Full pulses throughout.
Abdomen:
Active bowel sounds. Soft and nontender. No palpable organomegaly, no guarding or
rebound.
No masses appreciated.
Impression:
The patient is a 68-year-old woman with primary peritoneal epithelioid carcinoma, who
is now admitted for her sixth cycle of chemotherapy. She has demonstrated a
continuing decline in her CA-125, which is suggestive of a good response to
chemotherapy following a suboptimal debulking procedure.
Plan:
The patient will receive cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 and cis-platinum 75 mg/m2
following intravenous fluid hydration. She will be closely followed with respect to her
electrolyte and fluid balance, and diuretics will be administered as indicated.
Antiemetics will be given liberally, and she will be monitored for toxicity throughout her
hospital stay. Consultation will be undertaken with the Gynecologic Oncology Service to
assess the patient as a candidate for a second laparotomy.
PROGRESS NOTES
4/28:
1. Admit to Medical Oncology
2. Diagnosis: Primary epithelial peritoneal carcinoma
3. Allergies: None known
4. Condition = good
5. Diet = general
6. Vitals = q shift
7. Activities = up ad lib
8. IV fluids = 0.9% NaCl + 10 mEq/lit KCl + 8 mEq/lit MgSO4
9. Bolus fluids: 500 cc NS over 2 hrs just prior to CDDP and 500 cc NS over
2 hrs just after CDDP
10. Antiemetics:
A. Decadron 20 mg IV 1 hr prior to CDDP
B. Zofran 14 mg IV 3/4 hr prior to CDDP
C. Ativan 1 mg IV 3/4 hr prior to CDDP then Zofran 14 mg 3 hrs, 7 hrs
then q 4 hrs prn N/V
D. Ativan 1 mg IV q 4 h prn
11. Chemotherapy:
* Cis-platinum 127 mg in 250 cc NS IVPB over 1 hr on 4/28
* Cytoxan 1270 mg in 250 cc fluid IVPB over 1 hr on 4/28
12. If urine output is less than fluid intake by ± 400 cc over 4 hours, give Lasix
20 mg IV push and
KCl 20 mEq IV over 2 hours.
13. Nursing:
Strict I&O, please notify MD for temp >101.5, HR >120 or <50, BP
>200/110 or <90/48
14. Medications:
Compazine 10 mg IV q 6 hr prn
Timoptic eye drops once per day
Mylanta II 30 cc p.o. q 4 h prn
Heparin Na+ 5000 units subcut bid
Tylenol 650 mg p.o. q 4 h prn
Procardia 10 mg p.o. q 6 h prn BP diastolic >100 mmHg
Halcion 0.25 mg p.o. q hs prn
4/29:
10:30 a.m.
Discharge home today.
DIRECTIONS: DIAGNOSES ICD-9-CM
Be sure to enter all medical record PDX ____________ 1 2 3 . 4 5
codes in the manner provided in the
DX2 ____________ 6 7 8 . 9
sample, paying special attention to the DX3 ____________ E 9 0 0 . 1
decimal placement for each code. A DX4 ____________ V 1 0 . 0 1
decimal point (.) has been provided as a DX5 ____________ .
guide for entering each ICD-9-CM code. DX6 ____________ .
Do not write in the column with the DX7 ____________ .
DX8 ____________ .
decimal point. You may lose credit if DX9 ____________ .
the digits of the code are correct, but DX10 ____________ .
the decimal point has been incorrectly
placed or if your answer is not legible. PROCEDURES ICD-9-CM
PP1 _____________________ 1 2 . 3 4
PR2 _____________________ 5 6 . 7
NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR PR3 _____________________ 8 9 . 0
CODES WRITTEN OUTSIDE THE PR4 _____________________ .
BOXES PR5 _____________________ .
PR6 _____________________ .
PR7 _____________________ .
DX2 •
1 5 8 9
DX3 •
3 8 9 9
DX4 •
E 9 3 3 1
DX5 •
V 1 2 5 1
DX6 •
V 5 8 6 1
DX7 •
DX8 •
DX9 •
DX10 •
PR3 •
PR4 •
PR5 •
PR6 •
Case No. 2
CONSULTATION
Physical Examination:
General:
This is a well-developed and well-nourished anxious black male in mild distress. Head
and neck are normocephalic, atraumatic. Sclerae clear. The oropharynx is clear. The
neck is supple with free range of motion and no thyromegaly. The trachea is midline and
mobile. There is no crepitus noted. Lungs are clear bilaterally. Heart is regular rate and
rhythm. Abdomen is soft and nontender with bowel sounds active in all four quadrants.
There are no hepatosplenomegaly or masses noted. Rectal is deferred. Musculoskeletal
with free range of motion. Neurologic with no focal deficits.
Impression:
Foreign body in upper esophagus or possible laceration of this area. We will plan for
upper endoscopy to rule out an acute obstruction and, if necessary, remove the foreign
body.
OPRATIVE REPORT
Preoperative Diagnosis:
1. Esophageal foreign body.
2. Odynophagia.
Postoperative Diagnosis:
Status-post foreign body removal.
Clinical Note: This is a 47-year-old black male who experienced acute odynophagia
after initially eating a meal consisting of fish. The patient felt a foreign-body-like
sensation in his proximal esophagus and presented to the emergency room. He was
evaluated with lateral, C-spine films, and soft-tissue films without any evidence of
perforation. The patient is now referred for evaluation for his proximal esophagus.
Findings: After obtaining informed consent, the patient was endoscoped in the
emergency room. He was premedicated with Demerol and Versed without any
complications. Under direct visualization, an Olympus Q20 endoscope was introduced
orally, and the esophagus was intubated without any difficulty. The hypopharynx was
carefully reviewed, and no abnormalities were noted. There were no foreign bodies or
lacerations to the hypopharynx. The proximal esophagus was normal. No active
bleeding was noted. The endoscope was farther advanced into the esophagus, where
careful review of the mucosa revealed no foreign bodies and no obstructions. The distal
esophagus did, however, show a very small fish bone, which was removed without any
complications. The endoscope was advanced into the stomach, where partially digested
food was noted. The endoscope was then removed. The patient tolerated the procedure
well, and his post-procedure vital signs are stable.
Recommendations:
1. Clear liquids for 24 hours.
2. Follow-up with me in the office in the morning.
RADIOLOGY REPORTS
Date: 7/8
Procedure Performed:
Soft-tissue neck. There is a curvilinear density in the region of the base of the tongue
that could conceivably represent a small bone. The airway is intact throughout. No other
abnormalities are visible.
ENDOSCOPY ORDERS
Date: 7/8
PR2 --
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