NCCQ THEORY PAST EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS ||
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE
ANSWERS\VERIFIED 100% ALREADY GRADED A+
LATEST UPDATE 2026-2027 \MEDICINE
When and how are codes from OPCS-4 Chapter S Skin used to
enhance a code from another body system chapter? [3 Marks]
The code from Chapter S must be assigned:
• When it provides further information about the procedure that
is not specified in the primary body system code.
• In a secondary position, directly after the body system code it is
enhancing
Describe the OPCS-4 standard for coding excision and biopsy
procedures. [4 Marks]
When an excision and biopsy is performed on the same site
during the same theatre visit, only assign a code(s) for the
excision, as a biopsy is an integral part of the excision
In which position must codes from OPCS-4 chapters Y Subsidiary
Classification of Methods of Operation and Z Subsidiary
Classification of Sites of Operation be sequenced?
They must only ever be coded in a secondary position
,In OPCS-4, how should a 'failed intubation' at an upper gastrointestinal
tract endoscopy be reflected in the coded clinical record? [2
Marks]
The procedure must not be coded unless the point of
abandonment is beyond the mouth
What is the main axis of classification within OPCS-4 and what are the
four levels of complexity associated with it? [5 Marks]
The main axis of the classification is body system. The four levels of
complexity are major, intermediate, minor and non-operative
To maintain the structure of the OPCS-4 classification, .8 and .9
codes are available in both principal and extended categories, but
from which one of these is it acceptable to assign .8 and .9 codes?
Principal categories
Describe the standard when coding multiple deliveries (e.g. twins,
triplets) in OPCS-4 Chapter R Female Genital Tract Associated with
Pregnancy,
Childbirth and Puerperium. [3 Marks]
Each different type of delivery must be recorded with the most
serious
being sequenced first. Where all methods of delivery are identical,
only one code is required
,Where an unintentional action, such as perforation of an organ,
occurs during a procedure, how should this be reflected in the
coded clinical
record? The answer should reflect both ICD-10 5th Edition and OPCS-
4. [3 Marks]
This unintentional action must not be recorded using OPCS-4 codes.
Any surgical procedures performed to correct the unintentional
action must be recorded using the appropriate OPCS-4 code(s). Any
associated diagnosis
resulting from the unintentional action, e.g. accidental perforation of
organ, will be coded using the appropriate ICD-10 code(s)
In ICD-10 5th Edition, what is the primary diagnosis definition? [7
Marks]
The first diagnosis field(s) of the coded clinical record (the primary
diagnosis) will contain the main condition treated or investigated
during the relevant episode of healthcare. Where a definitive
diagnosis has not been made by the responsible clinician the main
symptom, abnormal findings, or problem should be recorded in the
first diagnosis field of the coded clinical record
, ICD: Describe the rule in relation to code structure when a three
character category is not subdivided into four character subdivisions,
and why this is used. [5 Marks]
The 'X' filler must be assigned in the fourth character field so the
codes are of a standard length for data processing and validation.
Where a three
character code requires assignment of both the 'X' filler and a fifth
character subdivision, the 'X' filler must continue to be recorded in
the fourth field before the fifth character
ICD: Describe the purpose of 'Use' notes in Volume 1 Tabular List and
when the convention must be applied. [3 Marks]
The 'use' note is a specific instruction to use an additional code in
order to describe a condition more completely. The 'use' note is
never optional and must always be adhered to where the information
is available in the medical record.
OPCS: Describe the uses of the 'Note' instruction. [5 Marks]
• To advise coders to include or omit additional or subsidiary codes.
• To direct coders elsewhere in the classification to more
appropriate categories.
• To clarify the intended use of a particular chapter, category or code.
• To provide specific instructions on the correct sequencing of
codes when used together (paired codes)
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE
ANSWERS\VERIFIED 100% ALREADY GRADED A+
LATEST UPDATE 2026-2027 \MEDICINE
When and how are codes from OPCS-4 Chapter S Skin used to
enhance a code from another body system chapter? [3 Marks]
The code from Chapter S must be assigned:
• When it provides further information about the procedure that
is not specified in the primary body system code.
• In a secondary position, directly after the body system code it is
enhancing
Describe the OPCS-4 standard for coding excision and biopsy
procedures. [4 Marks]
When an excision and biopsy is performed on the same site
during the same theatre visit, only assign a code(s) for the
excision, as a biopsy is an integral part of the excision
In which position must codes from OPCS-4 chapters Y Subsidiary
Classification of Methods of Operation and Z Subsidiary
Classification of Sites of Operation be sequenced?
They must only ever be coded in a secondary position
,In OPCS-4, how should a 'failed intubation' at an upper gastrointestinal
tract endoscopy be reflected in the coded clinical record? [2
Marks]
The procedure must not be coded unless the point of
abandonment is beyond the mouth
What is the main axis of classification within OPCS-4 and what are the
four levels of complexity associated with it? [5 Marks]
The main axis of the classification is body system. The four levels of
complexity are major, intermediate, minor and non-operative
To maintain the structure of the OPCS-4 classification, .8 and .9
codes are available in both principal and extended categories, but
from which one of these is it acceptable to assign .8 and .9 codes?
Principal categories
Describe the standard when coding multiple deliveries (e.g. twins,
triplets) in OPCS-4 Chapter R Female Genital Tract Associated with
Pregnancy,
Childbirth and Puerperium. [3 Marks]
Each different type of delivery must be recorded with the most
serious
being sequenced first. Where all methods of delivery are identical,
only one code is required
,Where an unintentional action, such as perforation of an organ,
occurs during a procedure, how should this be reflected in the
coded clinical
record? The answer should reflect both ICD-10 5th Edition and OPCS-
4. [3 Marks]
This unintentional action must not be recorded using OPCS-4 codes.
Any surgical procedures performed to correct the unintentional
action must be recorded using the appropriate OPCS-4 code(s). Any
associated diagnosis
resulting from the unintentional action, e.g. accidental perforation of
organ, will be coded using the appropriate ICD-10 code(s)
In ICD-10 5th Edition, what is the primary diagnosis definition? [7
Marks]
The first diagnosis field(s) of the coded clinical record (the primary
diagnosis) will contain the main condition treated or investigated
during the relevant episode of healthcare. Where a definitive
diagnosis has not been made by the responsible clinician the main
symptom, abnormal findings, or problem should be recorded in the
first diagnosis field of the coded clinical record
, ICD: Describe the rule in relation to code structure when a three
character category is not subdivided into four character subdivisions,
and why this is used. [5 Marks]
The 'X' filler must be assigned in the fourth character field so the
codes are of a standard length for data processing and validation.
Where a three
character code requires assignment of both the 'X' filler and a fifth
character subdivision, the 'X' filler must continue to be recorded in
the fourth field before the fifth character
ICD: Describe the purpose of 'Use' notes in Volume 1 Tabular List and
when the convention must be applied. [3 Marks]
The 'use' note is a specific instruction to use an additional code in
order to describe a condition more completely. The 'use' note is
never optional and must always be adhered to where the information
is available in the medical record.
OPCS: Describe the uses of the 'Note' instruction. [5 Marks]
• To advise coders to include or omit additional or subsidiary codes.
• To direct coders elsewhere in the classification to more
appropriate categories.
• To clarify the intended use of a particular chapter, category or code.
• To provide specific instructions on the correct sequencing of
codes when used together (paired codes)
