TheoryMedical Coding CCS Study Guide
Study for the Medical Coding CCS with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for Medical Coding CCS
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
Try Medical Coding CCS questions now
Q1CPT Category I codes consist of how many digits?
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✓ Correct answer: 5
All CPT Category I codes are exactly 5 numeric digits. Category II and III codes also use 5-character alphanumeric formats but are distinct from Category I.
Q2Under the 2021 E/M guidelines for outpatient visits, the level of service for established patients is based primarily on which two elements?
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✓ Correct answer: Medical decision making or total time
Since 2021, outpatient E/M levels for established patients are determined by either medical decision making (MDM) or total time on the date of the encounter — not the three-component history/exam/MDM framework.
Q3Which CPT code range covers outpatient office or other outpatient visit services for new patients?
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✓ Correct answer: 99202–99205
As of 2021, CPT codes 99202–99205 represent new patient outpatient office visits (99201 was deleted). The established patient codes are 99211–99215.
Q4A physician spends 45 minutes with an established outpatient patient on the date of service, with more than half that time spent on counseling. Under 2021 E/M guidelines, which code is most appropriate?
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✓ Correct answer: 99215
Under 2021 guidelines, CPT 99215 covers 40–54 minutes of total time for established patient office visits. Since 45 minutes falls in the 40–54 minute range, 99215 is appropriate.
Q5Which element of Medical Decision Making (MDM) reflects 'Prescription drug management' as its highest level of risk?
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✓ Correct answer: Risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality
The MDM 'Risk' column addresses risk of complications, morbidity, or mortality. Prescription drug management is cited under the Moderate risk level within this column of the MDM table.
Q6Under MDM, a patient presents with a new presenting problem requiring additional workup, and the physician reviews external records. This scenario most likely maps to which level of MDM?
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✓ Correct answer: Moderate
A new presenting problem requiring workup falls under the 'Moderate' complexity level in the number/complexity of problems column, and reviewing external records can also support Moderate in the data column, making Moderate the appropriate MDM level.
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