This is an “open book” test with regard to CPT and ICD-10 coding books.
Question number 1-
Please identify the words in the following statement that match at least 4 of the HPI (history of present illness)
elements identified below:
Patient was admitted yesterday with severe asthma exacerbation. She had been trying to
maintain with her inhaler but continued to worsen over the last 24 hours before admit. She
has had 5 breathing treatments and been on 4Lpm O2 for the last 12 hours and now has a
stable 90% sats. ORA she decreases to 78-70%. She has been around her boyfriend’s cat a
lot lately and feels this may have triggered this attack.
Quality ____________________ Modifying Factors ___________________
Context ___________________ Timing ___________________
Duration __________________ Severity __________________________
Question number 2-
Please identify the Level of Medical Decision Making (MDM) in the following statement:
1. Chest pain- new since last visit
2. DOE (dyspnea on exertion) - worsening
I have discussed this with him, and we will screen for ischemia with stress myocardial
perfusion imaging. If Abnl test, then this may represent a high probability for CAD and angio
should be considered. If test is low risk, then may follow syndrome clinically, and seek other
causes of chest pain. The patient was instructed to avoid strenuous physical activity until
complete stress test results are known.
F/U OV the week after these studies to consolidate eval and recommend further investigations
as indicated.
Low __________ Moderate _________ High___________
2 | Page
Question number 3-
Please select the level of History (HX) documented in the following statement:
Patient comes in today complaining of 4 days history of cough and congestion. No Fever,
Chest pain or dyspnea. Cough is mildly productive. He has been using Sudafed and Nyquil
with some relief.
Past Medical History-Seasonal allergies
Past Surgical History-tonsillectomy
Past Family History- Asthma---Father and Brother
Smoking status: Smokeless tobacco: Alcohol Use:2 drink(s) per week
Allergies-Cephalexin/Penicillin’s- Rash
Review of systems: Positive for malaise/fatigue. Positive for cough and sputum production
(scant, clear). Negative for shortness of breath and wheezing. All remaining 10 point ROS and
are negative.
HPI- # of Elements__________ PFSH- # reviewed_______ ROS- # of systems ________
History Level __________________
Question number 4-
Please select the level of Exam Both 95 and 97 guidelines documented in the following statement:
Constitutional: He is oriented to person, place, and time. He appears well-developed and
well- nourished.
Head: Normocephalic and atraumatic. Right Ear: Tympanic membrane normal. Left Ear:
Tympanic membrane normal. Nose: No mucosal edema or rhinorrhea.
Mouth/Throat: Oropharynx is clear and moist and mucous membranes are normal. Eyes:
EOM are normal. Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light.
Neck: ...
This is an open book” test with regard to CPT and ICD-10 coding boo
1. This is an “open book” test with regard to CPT and ICD-10
coding books.
Question number 1-
Please identify the words in the following statement that match
at least 4 of the HPI (history of present illness)
elements identified below:
Patient was admitted yesterday with severe asthma
exacerbation. She had been trying to
maintain with her inhaler but continued to worsen over the last
24 hours before admit. She
has had 5 breathing treatments and been on 4Lpm O2 for the
last 12 hours and now has a
stable 90% sats. ORA she decreases to 78-70%. She has been
around her boyfriend’s cat a
lot lately and feels this may have triggered this attack.
Quality ____________________ Modifying Factors
___________________
Context ___________________ Timing ___________________
Duration __________________ Severity
__________________________
Question number 2-
2. Please identify the Level of Medical Decision Making (MDM)
in the following statement:
1. Chest pain- new since last visit
2. DOE (dyspnea on exertion) - worsening
I have discussed this with him, and we will screen for ischemia
with stress myocardial
perfusion imaging. If Abnl test, then this may represent a high
probability for CAD and angio
should be considered. If test is low risk, then may follow
syndrome clinically, and seek other
causes of chest pain. The patient was instructed to avoid
strenuous physical activity until
complete stress test results are known.
F/U OV the week after these studies to consolidate eval and
recommend further investigations
as indicated.
Low __________ Moderate _________ High___________
2 | Page
Question number 3-
Please select the level of History (HX) documented in the
3. following statement:
Patient comes in today complaining of 4 days history of cough
and congestion. No Fever,
Chest pain or dyspnea. Cough is mildly productive. He has been
using Sudafed and Nyquil
with some relief.
Past Medical History-Seasonal allergies
Past Surgical History-tonsillectomy
Past Family History- Asthma---Father and Brother
Smoking status: Smokeless tobacco: Alcohol Use:2 drink(s) per
week
Allergies-Cephalexin/Penicillin’s- Rash
Review of systems: Positive for malaise/fatigue. Positive for
cough and sputum production
(scant, clear). Negative for shortness of breath and wheezing.
All remaining 10 point ROS and
are negative.
HPI- # of Elements__________ PFSH- # reviewed_______
ROS- # of systems ________
History Level __________________
Question number 4-
4. Please select the level of Exam Both 95 and 97 guidelines
documented in the following statement:
Constitutional: He is oriented to person, place, and time. He
appears well-developed and
well- nourished.
Head: Normocephalic and atraumatic. Right Ear: Tympanic
membrane normal. Left Ear:
Tympanic membrane normal. Nose: No mucosal edema or
rhinorrhea.
Mouth/Throat: Oropharynx is clear and moist and mucous
membranes are normal. Eyes:
EOM are normal. Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light.
Neck: Normal range of motion. Neck supple. No thyromegaly
present.
Cardiovascular: Normal rate, regular rhythm and No murmur
heard.
Pulmonary/Chest: Effort normal and breath sounds normal.
Lymphadenopathy:He has no cervical adenopathy.
Neurological: He is alert and oriented to person, place, and
time. Skin: Skin is warm and dry.
No rash noted. Psychiatric: He has a normal mood and affect.
His behavior is normal.
Judgment and thought content normal.
5. 95 Guidelines Detailed________ Comprehensive___________
3 | Page
97 Guidelines Exp Prob Focused__________ Detailed
_________ Comp ______
Question number 5-
Please choose the most accurate way of documenting a Review
of System (ROS) in a comprehensive history
__________ ROS complete
__________ 14 point review of system performed
__________ Positive for Shortness of Breath, Negative for
Chest Pain. All other systems reviewed and are
negative
_________ ROS is not needed for a comprehensive history
Question number 6-
Please select the level of service documented in the following
visit note:
CC: Brought by ambulance – evaluate for non- responsiveness
44 yo man BIBA from Rockies game after being found slouched
6. over on the ground. Pt reports
having too much alcohol to drink today and recalls going over
to sit against a wall. He then
closed his eyes and was found by a bystander. no witnessed szr
activity. emesis x 1 (NBNB)
in route. pt has no complaints at present. Pt denies fall/trauma.
PHYSICAL EXAM
Vital signs reviewed, Patient afebrile, Pulse normal,Blood
pressure normal, Respiratory rate
normal, Patient appears non toxic, pain free. Patient alert and
oriented to person, place and
time. HEAD: atraumatic, normocephalic. EYES: Pupils equally
round and reactive to light,
Sclera normal. ENT: Nose exam normal, dried blood left nare,
no active bleeding. NECK:
Neck exam included findings of normal range of motion,
Trachea midline. RESPIRATORY
CHEST: no respiratory distress, Breath sounds clear.
CARDIOVASCULAR: Regular rate
and rhythm, Heart sounds normal, normal S1, normal S2.
ABDOMEN: nontender, Bowel
sounds normal. BACK: normal inspection, range of motion
normal.
7. UPPER EXTREMITY: inspection normal, Range of motion
normal Bilaterally
LOWER EXTREMITY: bilaterally Range of motion normal, no
edema.
NEURO: Speech normal. SKIN: warm, dry no abrasions
PSYCHIATRIC: intoxicated.
(Continued on next page)
4 | Page
ASSESSMENT/PLAN: Acute alcohol intoxication- Breath EtOH
114 on arrival. No evidence
of significant trauma by exam or history. Will obvs until sober
then d/c. Pt refused EKG.
Disposition: D/C Home.
INSTRUCTION: Follow up with your primary care doctor in 1
week. Return to the emergency
department for worsening symptoms, including worsening
headache, numbness, weakness,
tremors, seizure, or any other concerns.
A. 99221
B. 99222
C. 99223
8. D. None of the above
Question number 7-
Please select the level of service documented in the following
statement:
Patient is a 42yr female who presents today with complex
migraines since she was a teenager.
Now on relpax. No current migraine today but does need refills
of relpax. Patient also on
Prozac and needs a refill of that. Today she is quite depressed
and tearful.
ROS-Per HPI-All other systems reviewed and negative.
Vitals – BP 122/60 Temp- 97.4 Height 5' 10" Weight 178 lbs
Patient is tearful and upset about a recent breakup with her
boyfriend. We discussed in detail
treatment options for her including increased dosage of Prozac,
adding Welbutrin, yoga, and
structured counseling. I asked the patient to follow up with my
office in a month, unless her
symptoms increase or worsen. I spent 35 minutes in face to face
time with the patient 25
minutes of which were spent in counseling and coordination of
care.
9. If New Patient 99202_______ 99203 _________ 99204
_________
If Established Patient 99213 ______ 99214 ________ 99215
________
5 | Page
Question number 8-
For a Level 4 new patient, please choose the proper
documentation requirements
_______ Detailed History and Comprehensive Exam and
Moderate Medical Decision Making
_______ Comprehensive History and Comprehensive Exam and
High Medical Decision Making
_______ Comprehensive History and Comprehensive Exam and
Moderate Medical Decision Making
________Comprehensive History or Comprehensive Exam and
Moderate Medical Decision Making
Question number 9-
Please select the correct level of service based on the
documentation below:
I spent 40 minutes in face to face time with the patient and
family. 50 % or more was spent in counseling and
coordination of care. We discussed alternative therapies,
10. options for medications, referrals for second opinions,
etc. Risks, benefits and considerations were discussed with
patient and family. They will let us know what they
decide.
If Established Patient 99214 ________ 99215 _________
If New Patient 99203_________ 99204 _________
Question number 10-
Please circle the correct definition of Critical Care:
A. High-complexity decision-making to assess, manipulate and
support vital system function(s) to treat
single or multiple organ system failure and/or to prevent further
life-threatening deterioration
B. Direct personal management and Frequent personal
assessment
C. Record demonstrate the patient has acute impairment of one
or more vital organ systems and has a high
probability of imminent or life-threatening deterioration
D. The interventions of a nature that failure to initiate these
interventions on an urgent basis would likely
result in sudden clinically significant or life-threatening
deterioration in the patient’s condition
11. E. All of the Above
6 | Page
Question number 11-
Please circle the examples of a correctly documented Chief
Compliant:
A. Follow up on DM meds
B. Left Knee Pain
C. Follow up
D. Annual Exam
Question number 12-
Please circle the correct time documentation for a 99214 if you
are doing time based coding:
A. 30 minutes was spent with the patient today in my office
discussing proper dosage of new
medications
B. The patient was in my office for two hours receiving
hydration and counseling regarding
food poisoning side effects
C. 25 minutes was spent in face to face time with the patient.
12. 50% or more was spent in
counseling and coordination of care concerning dosage of new
medications and possible
side effects.
D. I spent 25 minutes with the patient and 20 minutes were in
counseling.
7 | Page
Coding Quiz Operative Report 1:
DATE OF PROCEDURE: 07/01/2017
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Lumbar stenosis L4-5.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Same.
PROCEDURE: Lumbar laminectomy, bilateral L4-5.
SURGEON: Ima Neurosurgeon, MD.
ASSISTANT: Hesmy Assistant, PA-C.
ANESTHESIA: General.
INDICATIONS: The patient is a pleasant 85-year-old woman
with symptoms of
neurogenic claudication. Her symptoms were refractory to
conservative
care. Her imaging studies revealed severe stenosis at L4-L5,
13. relatively
modest stenosis at ____ level. Given these findings, after a
careful
explanation of risks, benefits, likely outcome, the patient and
family
agreed to proceed with surgery.
NARRATIVE: The patient was brought to the operating room.
After suitable
induction of general anesthetic, the patient was carefully
positioned
prone on the operative table. All pressure points were padded as
confirmed by me and the anesthesia team. Using surface
landmarks and a C-
arm, the incision was planned. The patient was prepped and
draped in the
usual sterile fashion. After infiltration of local anesthetic,
incision
was made with a #10 blade. Hemostasis was obtained with
Bovie
cauterization. The incision was carried down to the level of the
lumbar
dorsal fascia. Ligamentous muscular attachments were elevated
14. at the L4-5
region. X-ray once again confirmed our position.
Leksell rongeur was then used to remove the spinous processes
and portion
of the lamina.
The operative microscope was brought into the field. High
speed drill was
then used to thin the lamina. A curet was used to then separate
the
lamina from the ligamentum flavum. With that complete, the
remainder of
the bone was removed.
With careful dissection, I was able to then dissect the
ligamentum flavum
from the dura. There is perhaps a small fenestration was made
in the
dura. This was closed with interrupted 4-0 Nurolon. The facet
joints were
undercut laterally on both sides. The remainder of the ligament
was also
removed.
Once I was satisfied that the decompression was adequate, the
seal was
15. placed over the area where the suture had been placed. The
Duragen was
also placed prior to placement of the Tisseel sealant.
The wound was closed with multiple layers of Vicryl followed
by a running
locking Prolene.
The patient tolerated the procedure well.
Sponge and instrument counts were correct at the end of the
case.
Of note, at the end of the case, the neural monitoring unit had
placed
its leads. There were no untoward findings with the
neuromonitoring.
8 | Page
The patient tolerated the procedure well, was turned over to
anesthesia
for awakening.
DICTATED BY: Ima Neurosurgeon, MD
ICD-10 Code(s):
____________________________________________________
16. CPT Code(s):
_____________________________________________________
Comments:
9 | Page
Coding Quiz Operative Report 2:
DATE OF PROCEDURE: 07/07/2017
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Left subtrochanteric femur
fracture.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Same.
PROCEDURE: Intramedullary nailing of left subtrochanteric
femur fracture.
SURGEON: Shesa Doctor, MD.
ASSISTANT: Hesher Helper, MD. Please note, Mr. Helper was
medically
necessary for this patient to help position the patient, to help
hold
retractors during the procedure, to help reduce the fracture and
to
assist with wound closure.
ANESTHESIA: General endotracheal anesthesia.
17. ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: 250 mL.
COMPLICATIONS: None.
DISPOSITION: The patient was successfully awakened and
extubated in the
operating room and returned to the postanesthesia care unit in
stable
condition.
BRIEF PREOPERATIVE NOTE: The patient is a 63-year-old
gentleman who was
riding his bicycle when he had a terrible accident, landing
directly onto
his left hip. He sustained a comminuted complex proximal
femur fracture
which was also complicated by the fact that he was on
anticoagulants and
his INR was 3.38. Upon presentation to the hospital. Overnight,
he was
given vitamin K and prior to surgery given FFP to get him to a
more
normalized INR. The risks and benefits of this procedure were
explained
to the patient. The patient asked appropriate questions. After all
18. appropriate questions were answered, informed consent was
obtained and
placed on the chart. At this time, the patient did agree to
proceed to
the operating room for the above listed operative procedure.
BRIEF OPERATIVE NOTE: The patient was brought to the
operating room,
first in his hospital bed general anesthesia was administered.
Next, the
patient was transferred to the fracture table where the
endotracheal tube
was in placed under the general anesthetic at that time. The left
lower
extremity was placed into a well padded longitudinal traction
and the
right lower extremity was placed into a well padded, well leg
holder.
Next, image intensifier was brought into the field to ensure that
we
could get adequate closed reduction. After significant traction,
adduction and internal rotation of the leg, we were able to get
an
adequate reduction. Next, the left lower extremity was prepped
and draped
19. in the usual orthopedic sterile fashion. Next, a 3.2 mm
guidewire for the
trochanteric fixation nail was then passed in an intramedullary
position.
Next, the opening awl was passed without complication. Next, a
ball
tipped guidewire was passed into the canal and measured to the
distal
femur 460, but we placed a 420 mm trochanteric fixation nail
with a 130
degree helical blade setting. Next, the nail was passed without
complication. Next, the outrigger was placed for placement of
the helical
blade. Guide pin was passed for the helical blade in a center-
center
position into the femoral neck and head measured a 105 mm.
The outer
lateral cortex was drilled without complication, then the triple
reamer
10 | Page
was passed. Next, the 105 mm helical blade was passed without
complication and locked into position. Next, the outrigger was
20. removed.
Orthogonal x-rays showed near anatomic alignment of the
proximal femur.
Next, attention was then paid distally to the distal femur for
perfect
circles and one 5.0, 52 mm locking bolt was then placed without
complication. Again, orthogonal x-rays showed near anatomic
alignment of
the proximal femur, no evidence of hardware failure. At this
time, all
wounds were thoroughly irrigated with bacitracin-laden normal
saline.
Next, the deep layer was closed with a #1 Vicryl in an
interrupted
fashion. The wound was infiltrated with 30 mL of 0.5%
Marcaine without
epinephrine. The deep subcuticular layer was closed with an 0
Vicryl,
skin reapproximated with 2-0 Vicryl and then skin staples.
Next, sterile
dressings were applied.
Next, the patient was taken out of traction and returned to the
hospital
21. bed. General endotracheal anesthesia was terminated. The
patient
tolerated the procedure without complication, was successfully
awakened
and extubated in the operating room, returned to the
postanesthesia care
unit in stable condition.
DICTATED BY: Shesa Doctor, MD
ICD-10 Code(s):
____________________________________________________
CPT Code(s):
_____________________________________________________
Comments:
Coding Quiz Operative Report 3:
11 | Page
DATE OF PROCEDURE: 07/14/2017
SURGEON: Fixer Upper, MD.
FIRST ASSISTANT: None.
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:
22. 1. Symptomatic asymmetrical mammary hypertrophy.
2. Cervicalgia.
3. Thoracic pain.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Same.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: Bilateral reduction mammoplasty.
INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY: The patient is a 66-year-old
female who requests
reduction mammoplasty for symptoms related to large and
heavy breasts.
The patient has nod only severe tilt of the shoulder with the
right
breast larger and lower, but has bra strap grooves. The size is
consistent with a 38 G to H size. She has rounded forward
anterior
displaced shoulders, large pendulous ptotic asymmetrical
breasts, bra
strap grooves and nonfocal, tightness and tenderness in the
trapezius,
interscapular and paraspinal musculature. The patient requests
reduction
mammoplasty in an attempt to improve symptoms from large
and heavy
23. breasts.
PROCEDURE: Markings made preoperatively for a medial
pedicle vertical
type reduction mammoplasty accounting for the dyssymmetry.
The patient
taken to the operating room, placed on the operating table in the
supine
position. All bony prominences were well padded. PAS
stockings were in
place and functioning. General anesthesia was induced bilateral
upper
extremities were abducted to under 80 degrees on arm boards.
Prepping and
draping was performed in a sterile fashion.
Of note, the patient has severe compromised skin envelope with
striate
and severe ptosis. Stab incision was made in the area of
intended
vertical excision and using a blunt infiltration cannula on each
side 500
mL of 0.03% lidocaine with adrenalin 1:1 million was
infiltrated on each
side. The operation was performed similarly on each side. First,
24. attention was directed to the right side after adequate
epinephrine
effect, a 45 mm areola was incised. De-epithelization of the
medial
pedicle was performed. Incision was made in the upper keyhole
in vertical
area, keeping the lower extent of excision 4 cm up from the
inframammary
fold. Composite resection was performed after isolating the
pedicle by
sharp dissection and adequate at least 2 cm vertical pillars were
Coding Quiz Operative Report 3:
preserved and further resection laterally was performed
removing on the
right side 716 grams. Meticulous hemostasis obtained with
electrocauterization. Irrigation was performed with saline. The
vertical
pillars repaired with #1 Vicryl sutures. The vertical closure for
8 cm
was performed using gathering 4-0 Monocryl deep dermal
sutures, running
25. 12 | Page
subcuticular 3-0 V-Loc suture. The nipple areolar complex was
sutured to
surrounding flaps using interrupted simple 4-0 Monocryl for the
deep
dermis, running subcuticular 4-0 Monocryl for the skin. Because
of severe
skin envelope laxity, the patient's body habitus, was necessary
to
perform dog ear excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue in the
neo-
inframammary fold for contouring purposes. Closure in this
area, after
hemostasis obtained with electrocauterization was accomplished
using
interrupted 3-0 Vicryl to deep dermis, running subcuticular 3-0
V-Loc
Monocryl for the skin. Next, attention was directed to the left
side
where resection of 757 grams was performed, hemostasis
obtained with
electrocauterization, closure and dog ear excision was
26. performed in a
similar fashion. The patient's areola to neo-inframammary fold
was 8 cm
on each side with symmetrical mounds created. Specimen was
sent to
pathology. After completion of bilateral reductions, the wounds
were
dressed with Dermabond and Tegaderm. General anesthesia was
then
terminated. The patient went to the recovery room in stable
condition.
There were no complications. Sponge and instrument counts
correct.
Estimated blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged
with
instructions to resume usual diet and medications with the
exception of
holding aspirin and Advil/ibuprofen. The patient will ambulate
q.i.d. She
will drink plenty of fluids. She will avoid pressure on her chest.
She
will be seen tomorrow in follow up. She will begin Lovenox at
0800 on
07/15/2014. The patient will call for problems, questions or
27. concerns.
Final pathology is pending at the time of dictation.
DICTATED BY: Fixer Upper, MD
ICD-10 Code(s):
____________________________________________________
CPT Code(s):
_____________________________________________________
Case Study 1:
Please select the level of History (HX) documented in the
following statement:
• HPI: The patient is an 87-year-old white female who lives in a
skilled nursing facility. She tells
me that her phone was ringing and she tried to reach over to get
the phone but fell out of bed and
ended up on the floor. She reports yelling for help. She was
brought to the emergency room with
a facial fracture. She was also found to have a small right
frontal intracerebral hemorrhage. She
is being admitted for observation and treatment. She also has a
Colles fracture.
• ROS: Constitutional: Denies fevers. Neurologic: She denies a
headache. Eyes: She denies any
28. vision problems. Thinks she has had some cataract surgery.
Notes no vision problems right now.
ENT: Denies recent cyanosis or respiratory infection or chronic
headache problems.
13 | Page
Cardiovascular: Denies heart problems or chest pains.
Respiratory: Denies shortness of breath or
breathing problems. Gastrointestinal: Denies nausea or diarrhea.
Musculoskeletal: Has chronic
back pain mentioned above. Skin: Denies any rashes.
Psychiatric: Acknowledges a history of
low-grade depression but has not been problematic recently.
• Patient has a past medical history positive for parkinsons,
frequent UTIs and chronic low back
pain. She does not smoke and rarely drinks alcohol. Both
parents are dead.
List the HPI elements:
List the ROS:
List the level of history this documentation supports:
For an inpatient admission, would this documentation support a
99221, 99222, or 99223? Please