Question 1

A complex repair is:

Accepted Answer

A complex repair involves more than the simple one-layer closure, including extensive undermining, stents, or retention sutures, making it more involved than what is included in a basic excision code or represented by a simple closure.

Question 2

A surgical procedure that is performed for the surgical immobilization of a joint is called a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that is performed to permanently immobilize a joint. This is accomplished by fusing the bones that make up that joint together, usually with the help of pins, plates, screws, or other hardware. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace a damaged joint with a prosthetic joint made from metal and plastic components. A discectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a portion of a herniated or ruptured disc in the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves. An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to cut and reposition a bone to correct deformities or to redistribute the weight-bearing forces on a joint.

Question 3

Christopher was brought back to the surgical suite for a secondary rhinoplasty, bony work with osteotomies. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

30435 is the correct CPT code for a secondary rhinoplasty that includes bony work with osteotomies.

Question 4

A lung harvest from a cadaver donor is coded with which CPT code?

Accepted Answer

CPT code 32850 is used for the procurement of a lung from a cadaver donor.

Question 5

Three-year-old Susie put a marble in her nose. It was too deep in the nasal cavity and had to be removed under general anesthesia. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Three-year-old Susie put a marble in her...

Question 6

A re-excision to remove additional tissue during a subsequent encounter in the postoperative period is:

Accepted Answer

A re-excision to remove additional tissue during a subsequent encounter in the postoperative period should be reported with modifier 58, which indicates that it is a staged or related procedure performed during the postoperative period of the original procedure. Modifier 58 is used when a planned or unplanned procedure is performed subsequent to the original surgery for a related condition during the postoperative period.

Question 7

Dr. Sam repaired an intermediate closure of a 26-cm wound of the scalp. What is the appropriate code for the repair?

Accepted Answer

According to the CPT codebook, code 12036 is appropriate for intermediate repair of wounds of the scalp measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm. The length of the wound in this scenario is 26 cm, which falls within this range. Codes 12006 and 12046 are for smaller wound repairs, while code 12056 is for larger wounds.

Question 8

Jason was taken to the surgical suite after arriving in the ER with a stab wound to his abdomen. The planned procedure was an exploration of the penetrating wound to the abdomen. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jason was taken to the surgical suite...

Question 9

Stanley Janson injured his hand and went to the ER. Dr. Finke examined Stanley's hand and repaired a palmar 2.9-cm laceration and a dorsal 2.8-cm laceration. Both repairs required layered closure. What is/are the appropriate CPT code(s) for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Stanley Janson injured his hand and went...

Question 10

Dr. James performed a closed treatment of a tibia fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction on Mr. Smith, whose motorcycle ran into a tree. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

CPT code 27532 is the correct code for a closed treatment of tibial shaft fracture, with manipulation and skeletal traction.

Question 11

Judy Frank, a 16-year-old female, has been diagnosed with comedones. Judy presents today for acne surgery. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

10040 is the correct CPT code for acne surgery, specifically for the treatment of acne (e.g., comedones, cysts, pustules).

Question 12

In the treatment of fractures, what device(s) is/are used in an external fixation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the treatment of fractures, what device(s)...

Question 13

Johnny had a fracture of his elbow, and a cast was placed by the physician. What is the appropriate code for the application of a short arm cast?

Accepted Answer

The code 29075 is used for the application of a short arm cast, which is appropriate for a fracture of the elbow.

Question 14

You must add this modifier to the correct CPT surgical procedure code when your physician is only going to perform the procedure itself, and not provide or be involved in any preoperative or postoperative care of the patient.

Accepted Answer

Modifier 54 is used to indicate that a physician or surgeon is performing only the surgical portion of a procedure without providing preoperative or postoperative care.

Question 15

Multiple wounds are reported first by the:

Accepted Answer

Multiple wounds are typically reported by the anatomical site or location where they are found. This helps to give a clear indication of the extent and severity of the injuries, as well as any potential complications that may arise. Reporting based on the length of each wound or the type of sutures used may not be as useful in terms of providing a complete picture of the injuries sustained.

Question 16

In the treatment of fractures, what device(s) is/are used in an internal fixation?

Accepted Answer

Plates are often used in internal fixation surgery to hold fractured bone segments together, allowing for proper healing. Braces and casts are commonly used in external fixation. Halos are a type of external fixation used primarily for cervical spine fractures.

Question 17

Dr. Haber shaved a dermal lesion on Harold Jeffers's chest, total diameter 3.2 cm. What is the appropriate CPT code for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate CPT code for the excision of a 3.2 cm dermal lesion would be 11303, which is defined as "Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm."

Question 18

The global surgical package includes all except:

Accepted Answer

The global surgical package includes local anesthesia, immediate postoperative care, and follow-up care. However, postoperative therapy (such as physical therapy or rehabilitation) is not included in the global surgical package.

Question 19

A wound repair code includes:

Accepted Answer

Wound repair codes generally include debridement, which is the removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from the wound. Scar revision, general anesthesia, and fracture repair are not typically included in wound repair codes.

Question 20

When the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier_____.

Accepted Answer

Modifier 22 is used to indicate that the work required to provide a service was substantially greater than typically required.

Quiz 24: CPT Surgery Section