ACA CCS study plan

Map the ICD-10-CM tabular list structure (chapters, sections, categories, subcategories) and locate 20 assigned codes by navigating the index and tabular list without a code lookup tool

Apply the official ICD-10-CM general coding guidelines to resolve 15 scenario-based diagnosis selection questions, writing the rationale for each choice

Distinguish principal diagnosis, first-listed diagnosis, and secondary diagnosis in 10 short case vignettes

Define the coding profession's core standards (accuracy, confidentiality, scope of practice, querying physicians) and match each to a sample workplace situation

Assign complete ICD-10-CM codes, including required 4th-7th characters, for 30 cases spanning endocrine, circulatory, and respiratory chapters

Explain the pathophysiology of diabetes, hypertension, and asthma well enough to justify code selection in those 30 cases

Apply combination-code and multiple-coding rules (e.g., diabetes with manifestations, sepsis, COPD with exacerbation) to 10 cases

Verify each assigned code against the tabular list's includes, excludes1, and code-first notes

Deconstruct ICD-10-PCS code structure into its seven characters and identify the axis of classification for each PCS section

Build correct PCS codes for 25 inpatient procedures across the Medical and Surgical, Radiology, and Administration sections

Differentiate root operations that are commonly confused (excision vs. resection, release vs. division, drainage vs. extirpation) using 15 paired examples

Describe the surgical anatomy and approach for those 25 procedures so the body system, body part, and approach characters are chosen correctly

Apply CPT Evaluation and Management selection rules to 20 office and hospital encounter scenarios, documenting the level of service rationale

Assign CPT surgical codes with correct modifiers for 15 operative reports, distinguishing modifier 25, 59, 50, and 51 use

Select appropriate HCPCS Level II codes for drugs, supplies, and durable medical equipment in 10 scenarios

Reconcile CPT procedure coding with the corresponding ICD-10-PCS code for 10 inpatient cases to reinforce the outpatient/inpatient coding distinction

Trace a claim from patient registration through coding, charge entry, claim submission, and payment posting, labeling each revenue-cycle stage and its key data elements

Calculate expected reimbursement for 8 claims using fee schedules, allowed amounts, and patient responsibility (copay, coinsurance, deductible)

Interpret remittance advice and denial codes to classify 10 denials by root cause (coding, eligibility, authorization, medical necessity)

Identify the compliance risks in 10 scenarios against HIPAA, the False Claims Act, and the OIG Compliance Program guidance, and state the correct action

Apply query-writing best practices by drafting 8 compliant physician queries that are non-leading and clinically supported

Evaluate 10 coding scenarios for ethical conflicts (upcoding pressure, unbundling, documentation gaps) and write the defensible response

Summarize the key regulatory requirements affecting coders (HIPAA privacy and security, OIG work plan focus areas, NCCI edits, medical necessity) into a reference sheet

Distinguish fraud, abuse, and honest error across 12 vignettes

Perform a data-quality audit on 20 previously coded records, measuring accuracy rate and classifying each error by type (selection, sequencing, specificity, modifier)

Apply HIM data-integrity concepts (completeness, timeliness, validity, consistency) to identify defects in a sample data set

Explain how coded data feeds quality reporting, risk adjustment, and reimbursement, using 5 concrete examples

Describe the release-of-information and retention requirements that govern coded health records in 8 scenarios

Complete a timed 100-question mixed-domain practice exam under exam conditions and score it against the answer key

Analyze every missed question by domain and root cause, then re-study the two weakest domains

Re-code 15 previously missed cases correctly from scratch to confirm remediation

Assemble a one-page exam-day strategy covering time allocation, code-lookup workflow, and guessing rules