CPC Exam Practice Test 2026 – Certified
Professional Coder | 20 Questions with
Answers & Explanations
Question 1
Which of the following best defines a modifier in medical coding?
A. A code that replaces the primary code.
B. A two-digit code that provides additional information about a procedure.
C. A code that identifies the patients diagnosis.
D. A code used exclusively for insurance claims.
Answer. B.
Modifiers are two-digit codes appended to CPT or HCPCS codes to provide additional
information about a service or procedure such as laterality, multiple procedures, or unusual
circumstances.
Question 2
In ICD10 CM coding, what does the fifth character typically represent?
A the primary diagnosis.
B the anatomical location or type of complication.
C the patient's age.
D. The procedure performed.
Answer B.
In ICD10 CM, the fifth character often specifies additional details such as anatomical site,
severity, or type of complication depending on the chapter.
Question 3
A patient receives a colonoscopy with a biopsy. How should this be coded?
A. Only the colonoscopy CPT code.
B. only the biopsy CPT code.
C. Both colonoscopy and biopsy CPT codes with appropriate modifier.
D. Diagnostic code only.
Answer C.
, Both procedures are reported separately using CPT codes. Modifiers may be required to
indicate that multiple procedures were performed during the same session.
Question 4
Which CPT code section includes immunization administration?
A. Surgery.
B evaluation and management.
C. Medicine.
D. Radiology.
Answer C.
Immunization administration is categorized under the medicine section in CPT distinct from the
vaccine product code.
Question 5
Which scenario requires the use of CPT modifier 59?
A. A procedure performed on a different day.
B. A procedure performed by a different provider.
C. Distinct procedural service performed on the same day or session.
D. Procedure discontinued midway.
Answer. C.
Modifier 59 indicates that a procedure is distinct or independent from other services performed
on the same day. Clarifying coding for payers.
Question 6
In ICD10 CM, how is laterality indicated?
A with a seventh character.
B with a fifth or sixth character depending on the code.
C with the first character.
D. Laterality is not indicated in ICD10 CM.
Answer B.
Many ICD10 CM codes use the fifth or sixth character to specify left, right, or bilateral
involvement of a body part.
Question 7
Professional Coder | 20 Questions with
Answers & Explanations
Question 1
Which of the following best defines a modifier in medical coding?
A. A code that replaces the primary code.
B. A two-digit code that provides additional information about a procedure.
C. A code that identifies the patients diagnosis.
D. A code used exclusively for insurance claims.
Answer. B.
Modifiers are two-digit codes appended to CPT or HCPCS codes to provide additional
information about a service or procedure such as laterality, multiple procedures, or unusual
circumstances.
Question 2
In ICD10 CM coding, what does the fifth character typically represent?
A the primary diagnosis.
B the anatomical location or type of complication.
C the patient's age.
D. The procedure performed.
Answer B.
In ICD10 CM, the fifth character often specifies additional details such as anatomical site,
severity, or type of complication depending on the chapter.
Question 3
A patient receives a colonoscopy with a biopsy. How should this be coded?
A. Only the colonoscopy CPT code.
B. only the biopsy CPT code.
C. Both colonoscopy and biopsy CPT codes with appropriate modifier.
D. Diagnostic code only.
Answer C.
, Both procedures are reported separately using CPT codes. Modifiers may be required to
indicate that multiple procedures were performed during the same session.
Question 4
Which CPT code section includes immunization administration?
A. Surgery.
B evaluation and management.
C. Medicine.
D. Radiology.
Answer C.
Immunization administration is categorized under the medicine section in CPT distinct from the
vaccine product code.
Question 5
Which scenario requires the use of CPT modifier 59?
A. A procedure performed on a different day.
B. A procedure performed by a different provider.
C. Distinct procedural service performed on the same day or session.
D. Procedure discontinued midway.
Answer. C.
Modifier 59 indicates that a procedure is distinct or independent from other services performed
on the same day. Clarifying coding for payers.
Question 6
In ICD10 CM, how is laterality indicated?
A with a seventh character.
B with a fifth or sixth character depending on the code.
C with the first character.
D. Laterality is not indicated in ICD10 CM.
Answer B.
Many ICD10 CM codes use the fifth or sixth character to specify left, right, or bilateral
involvement of a body part.
Question 7
