CPC case studies
CPC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is a medical coding credential offered by AAPC, described by its issuer as the most respected medical coding certification in the healthcare industry. It validates comprehensive knowledge of outpatient and physician services coding: applying ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes across all body systems, assigning CPT® and HCPCS Level II codes for procedures, services, and supplies, following coding guidelines, conventions, and sequencing rules, coding evaluation and management services for new and established patients, handling procedures performed in physician practices, outpatient clinics, and same-day surgical centers, linking diagnoses to procedures to establish medical necessity, and applying compliance and payer requirements including modifiers, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer rules, plus fraud, abuse, and compliance standards. The CPC case studies are 5 cases and about 2,398 words.
1Urosepsis, Acute Kidney Injury, and the Query That Determines Severe Sepsis
Henry, a 72-year-old man, is admitted from the emergency department with a three-day history of dysuria, fever to 38.9°C, and confusion. His blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg and heart rate 118; after 2 liters of lactated Ringer’s, his pressure improves to 104/62 without vasopressors.
549 words, about 3 min2Superimposed Preeclampsia at 34 Weeks: Combination Codes and Sequencing
Denise, a 34-year-old woman, G3P2, presents to her obstetrician’s office at 34 weeks 2 days with a two-day history of headache and visual spots. Her blood pressure is 172/108 mmHg on two readings, and urine dipstick shows 3+ protein.
390 words, about 2 min3Two Lacerations, One Visit: Complex Repair and Multiple Procedure Rules
While repairing a glass door at his home, 41-year-old Marcus sustains two lacerations. In the emergency department, the physician documents a 7.0-cm complex laceration of the left cheek involving muscle and subcutaneous tissue, requiring layered closure with 3-0 Vicryl and 5-0 nylon.
458 words, about 2 min4Chest Pain in a Chronic COPD Patient: MDM or Time?
Elena, a 68-year-old established patient, is seen in the office for three days of worsening cough, low-grade fever, and intermittent chest tightness. She has COPD, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
469 words, about 2 min5Screening Colonoscopy Turns Therapeutic: Payer Rules and Modifier Selection
Lee, a 62-year-old Medicare beneficiary, undergoes a screening colonoscopy at a hospital-based ambulatory surgical center. He has no personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, and he meets average-risk screening criteria.
532 words, about 3 min