Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which classification system is used for reporting inpatient hospital
procedures?
A. CPT
B. HCPCS Level II
C. ICD-10-PCS
D. CDT
Correct Answer: C
ICD-10-PCS is required for coding inpatient hospital procedures in the U.S.
2. A patient is admitted with acute respiratory failure due to pneumonia.
Which diagnosis should be sequenced first?
A. Pneumonia
B. Acute respiratory failure
C. Hypoxia
D. Sepsis
Correct Answer: B
Acute respiratory failure is sequenced first when it is the principal reason for
admission.
3. CPT Category II codes are used for:
A. Reporting services and procedures
B. Performance measurement
C. New technology
D. Laboratory panels
Correct Answer: B
Category II codes are supplemental tracking codes for quality reporting.
4. Which term describes the extension of a physician’s documentation used
to clarify coding?
,A. Query
B. Abstract
C. Addendum
D. Amendment
Correct Answer: A
A query is used to obtain clarification from providers.
5. Which healthcare setting uses MS-DRGs for reimbursement?
A. Outpatient hospital
B. Inpatient hospital
C. Physician office
D. Skilled nursing facility
Correct Answer: B
MS-DRGs are used for inpatient prospective payment.
6. A patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to an open
procedure. How should this be coded?
A. Laparoscopic only
B. Open only
C. Both laparoscopic and open
D. Unlisted code
Correct Answer: B
When converted, only the open procedure is coded.
7. Which coding convention includes “see” and “see also”?
A. CPT guidelines
B. ICD-10-CM index
C. HCPCS Level II
D. ICD-10-PCS tables
Correct Answer: B
ICD-10-CM index uses cross-references to guide code selection.
8. Which documentation is required to support medical necessity?
, A. Codebook
B. Operative report
C. Superbills
D. Encounter form
Correct Answer: B
The operative report supports the need for and details of a procedure.
9. Which code set provides supply and equipment codes?
A. CPT
B. HCPCS Level II
C. ICD-10-CM
D. CDT
Correct Answer: B
HCPCS Level II includes supplies, DME, and drugs.
10. What is the purpose of the UHDDS?
A. Defines documentation requirements
B. Defines reportable data for acute care hospitals
C. Creates standards for CPT
D. Determines outpatient reimbursement
Correct Answer: B
UHDDS specifies data elements for inpatient reporting.
11. Which ICD-10-CM code is assigned for a healing fracture after routine care
completed?
A. Initial encounter
B. Subsequent encounter
C. Sequela
D. Z code
Correct Answer: C
Sequela is used for residual effects after healing is complete.
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which classification system is used for reporting inpatient hospital
procedures?
A. CPT
B. HCPCS Level II
C. ICD-10-PCS
D. CDT
Correct Answer: C
ICD-10-PCS is required for coding inpatient hospital procedures in the U.S.
2. A patient is admitted with acute respiratory failure due to pneumonia.
Which diagnosis should be sequenced first?
A. Pneumonia
B. Acute respiratory failure
C. Hypoxia
D. Sepsis
Correct Answer: B
Acute respiratory failure is sequenced first when it is the principal reason for
admission.
3. CPT Category II codes are used for:
A. Reporting services and procedures
B. Performance measurement
C. New technology
D. Laboratory panels
Correct Answer: B
Category II codes are supplemental tracking codes for quality reporting.
4. Which term describes the extension of a physician’s documentation used
to clarify coding?
,A. Query
B. Abstract
C. Addendum
D. Amendment
Correct Answer: A
A query is used to obtain clarification from providers.
5. Which healthcare setting uses MS-DRGs for reimbursement?
A. Outpatient hospital
B. Inpatient hospital
C. Physician office
D. Skilled nursing facility
Correct Answer: B
MS-DRGs are used for inpatient prospective payment.
6. A patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to an open
procedure. How should this be coded?
A. Laparoscopic only
B. Open only
C. Both laparoscopic and open
D. Unlisted code
Correct Answer: B
When converted, only the open procedure is coded.
7. Which coding convention includes “see” and “see also”?
A. CPT guidelines
B. ICD-10-CM index
C. HCPCS Level II
D. ICD-10-PCS tables
Correct Answer: B
ICD-10-CM index uses cross-references to guide code selection.
8. Which documentation is required to support medical necessity?
, A. Codebook
B. Operative report
C. Superbills
D. Encounter form
Correct Answer: B
The operative report supports the need for and details of a procedure.
9. Which code set provides supply and equipment codes?
A. CPT
B. HCPCS Level II
C. ICD-10-CM
D. CDT
Correct Answer: B
HCPCS Level II includes supplies, DME, and drugs.
10. What is the purpose of the UHDDS?
A. Defines documentation requirements
B. Defines reportable data for acute care hospitals
C. Creates standards for CPT
D. Determines outpatient reimbursement
Correct Answer: B
UHDDS specifies data elements for inpatient reporting.
11. Which ICD-10-CM code is assigned for a healing fracture after routine care
completed?
A. Initial encounter
B. Subsequent encounter
C. Sequela
D. Z code
Correct Answer: C
Sequela is used for residual effects after healing is complete.
