CPC Practice Exam 2019-2020: Full Answer Key & Rationale

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) credential from AAPC demonstrates medical coding excellence and proficiency by the person who as achieved it. Recognized by employers, government, and providers, and payers, CPC®-credentialed medical coders have a leg-up in the current competitive job market, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The federal agency says jobs for certified medical coders will increase 22 percent through 2022.

To earn the CPC® credential, you must pass the CPC® examination. The exam confirms your ability to correctly apply CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II used to reporting medical services. In passing the exam, you’ll demonstrate:

Proficiency across the services described reported for codes, including diagnostic, service, supplies.

Sound knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations, including proper modifier application.

Mastery of anatomy and physiology and understanding medical terminology sufficiently to code correctly.

Integrating medical coding and payment policy changes into reimbursement processes.

The CPC® examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of a broad range of coding-related topics.

Questions based on the CPT® code book include:

Surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system (10 questions)

Surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system (10 questions)

Surgical procedures performed on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, hemic and lymphatic systems, and the mediastinum and diaphragm (10 questions)

Surgical procedures performed on the digestive system (10 questions)

Surgical procedures performed on the urinary system, male and female reproductive systems (including maternity and delivery), and endocrine system (10 questions)

Surgical procedures performed on the nervous system (10 questions)

E/M services (10 questions)

Anesthesia, including time reporting and qualifying circumstances (8 questions)

Radiology (10 questions)

Laboratory and pathology (10 questions)

Medicine (10 questions)