Ms. C is diagnosed with a supratentorial intracerebral hematoma, and the neurologist performs a craniectomy to access the hematoma. The hematoma is accessed, and a suction device is used to remove it. What CPT@ code is reported?
Correct Answer: A
1. Procedure and CPT Code Selection: The procedure described is a craniectomy to access and remove a supratentorial intracerebral hematoma using a suction device. CPT Code 61314 is specific for a craniectomy or craniotomy for evacuation of a hematoma, supratentorial (within the upper portion of the brain), and includes any required dural repair and closure. This code precisely describes the procedure performed to remove the hematoma. 2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options: Code 61154 is used for a burr hole procedure for the evacuation of a hematoma, which is a less invasive approach and does not involve a craniectomy. Code 61313 is for a craniectomy or craniotomy to evacuate an infratentorial hematoma, which is located in the lower portion of the brain (posterior fossa) and is not applicable here. Code 61312 is for evacuation of an epidural or subdural hematoma and does not apply to an intracerebral hematoma as described in this case. 3. AAPC and CPT Coding Guidelines: According to AAPC guidelines, 61314 is the appropriate code for craniectomy procedures aimed at removing supratentorial intracerebral hematomas, as it covers the full scope of the documented procedure. Thus, the correct answer is A. 61314.
CPC Exam Question 147
(Which CPT code can append modifier50?)
Correct Answer: C
Modifier50indicates abilateral procedureperformed during the same session when the CPT code describes aunilateralservice and there isno specific bilateral codethat must be used instead. Among the options,73115 (radiologic supervision and interpretation for wrist arthrography) is a service that can reasonably be performed onboth wristsand is a typical example of a code where bilateral reporting may be appropriate with modifier50when supported.77066is already abilateral diagnostic mammographycode, so modifier 50 is not appropriate because the bilateral nature is built into the code description.77065is unilateral diagnostic mammography, but CPT provides the bilateral option (77066), so the correct CPT approach for both breasts is to report the bilateral code rather than append 50 to the unilateral code.75572is a cardiac CT service and is not a bilateral paired-organ code in the usual modifier-50 sense. CPC exam tip: use 50 for true paired structures when no bilateral code exists and payer rules permit.
CPC Exam Question 148
The mediastinum is:
Correct Answer: A
The mediastinum is an anatomical region located in the thoracic cavity. It is bounded by the sternum in front, the vertebral column at the back, and is situated between the lungs. It contains the heart, trachea, esophagus, thymus, and other structures, but it is not itself an organ. Therefore, the correct answer is that it is a location in the chest. ICD-10-CM, Medical Anatomy and Physiology textbooks
CPC Exam Question 149
(A patient presents for surgery due to recurrent lumbar radiculopathy at a previously operated spinal level. The surgeon performs arepeat exploration laminotomywithbilateral foraminotomyto decompress nerve roots at theL1-L2 interspace. No additional spinal levels are treated. What CPT coding is reported?)
Correct Answer: B
This is arepeatdecompression at apreviously operatedlumbar level, described as "repeat exploration laminotomy," which aligns with there-explorationcode family rather than a primary discectomy code. The procedure includesbilateral foraminotomyat a single lumbar interspace (L1-L2), meaning it is performed onboth sidesat the same level. In the answer choices,63042represents re-exploration/decompression (repeat procedure) and is appropriately markedbilateralwith-50. The foraminotomy component at the lumbar level is represented by63044, also performed bilaterally, so63044-50is appropriate when the code is unilateral by descriptor and the work was done on both sides. Options C and D reference63030/63035, which are associated with lumbar discectomy/decompression primary coding patterns, not the "repeat exploration laminotomy" scenario presented. Option A incorrectly lists 63044 twice rather than using bilateral reporting. Therefore,63042-50, 63044-50is the best match within the provided options.
CPC Exam Question 150
A surgeon performs a complete bilateral mastectomy with insertion of breast prosthesis at the same surgical session. What CPT@ coding is reported?
Correct Answer: D
For a complete bilateral mastectomy with insertion of breast prosthesis performed during the same surgical session, the correct CPT codes are: 1. 19303-50: This code represents a complete mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) performed bilaterally (indicated by the -50 modifier). 2. 19340-50: This code is for the immediate insertion of a breast prosthesis following mastectomy, also performed bilaterally. Explanation of other options: A . 19303-50, 19342-50: Incorrect because 19342 is for the insertion of a breast implant, which differs from a prosthesis. B . 19305-50, 19340-50: 19305 describes a modified radical mastectomy, which is more extensive than what is documented here. C . 19325-50: This code represents a breast augmentation procedure, not a mastectomy with prosthesis insertion. Thus, the correct answer is D. 19303-50, 19340-50, which accurately describes a bilateral mastectomy with prosthesis insertion.
