CPT 10000 Series MCQs with Key-Basic

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How would you code the excision of a 0.5 cm benign lesion on the forearm? a) 11400 b) 11401 c) 11402 d) 11403
   • Rationale: In the CPT Index, look under “Excision-Lesion” and then “Benign,” followed by the specific body part (“Forearm”). The size (0.5 cm) falls under the smallest size range for excision.
2. Which code is appropriate for a simple repair of a 4 cm laceration on the neck? a) 12001 b) 12002 c) 12003 d) 12004
   • Rationale: Refer to “Repair (Closure) – Skin – Simple” in the CPT Index and find the size range that includes 4 cm, focusing on the body area “Neck.”
3. What is the correct code for a punch biopsy of the skin on the back? a) 11104 b) 11105 c) 11106 d) 11107
   • Rationale: Check under “Biopsy – Skin” in the CPT Index and find “Punch” as the method.
4. For Mohs micrographic surgery, first stage, head, and neck, what code would you use? a) 17311 b) 17312 c) 17313 d) 17314
   • Rationale: Look under “Mohs Micrographic Surgery” in the CPT Index, and then select the appropriate location and stage.
5. Which code would be used for a full-thickness graft on the lip measuring 2 sq cm? a) 15240 b) 15241 c) 15260 d) 15261
   • Rationale: Search under “Graft – Skin – Full Thickness” and then select the specific body area (“Lip”) and size range.
6. What code should be used for the destruction of a third actinic keratosis lesion on the face? a) 17000 b) +17003 c) 17004 d) 17110
   • Rationale: In the CPT Index, find “Destruction – Lesion – Skin” and then locate “Actinic Keratosis.” Code 17000 is for the first lesion, and +17003 for each additional lesion.
7. For a layered closure of a 3.5 cm wound on the forearm, which code is appropriate? a) 12031 b) 12032 c) 12034 d) 12035
   • Rationale: Look under “Repair (Closure) – Skin – Layered” in the CPT Index. Focus on the size and location of the wound.
8. If a dermatologist performs a dermabrasion for acne scarring on the entire face, what code should be used? a) 15780 b) 15781 c) 15782 d) 15783
   • Rationale: Refer to “Dermabrasion” and then look for the specific reason (acne scarring) and area (entire face) in the CPT Index.
9. Which code is used for an intermediate repair of a 5.5 cm laceration on the scalp? a) 12031 b) 12032 c) 12034 d) 12035
   • Rationale: Under “Repair (Closure) – Skin – Intermediate,” find the correct size range and body part.
10. What is the appropriate code for the surgical preparation of a wound on the leg before skin grafting, covering 70 sq cm? a) 15002 b) 15003 c) 15004 d) 15005
    • Rationale: Search in the CPT Index under “Surgical Preparation – Wound,” and then determine the size and location of the wound.

Answer Key

1. a) 11400
   • Benign lesions on the forearm measuring up to 0.5 cm fall under code 11400.
2. b) 12002
   • Simple repair of a 4 cm laceration on the neck falls within the size range of 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm, coded as 12002.
3. a) 11104
   • Punch biopsy of the skin is coded as 11104 regardless of the body part.
4. a) 17311
   • First stage of Mohs surgery on the head and neck is coded as 17311.
5. b) 15241
   • Full-thickness grafts on the lip for 2 sq cm are coded as 15241.
6. b) +17003
   • The third actinic keratosis lesion is coded as +17003 as it’s an additional lesion.
7. a) 12031
   • Layered closure of a 3.5 cm wound on the forearm is coded as 12031.
8. b) 15781
   • Dermabrasion for acne scarring on the entire face is coded as 15781.
9. b) 12032
   • Intermediate repair of a 5.5 cm laceration on the scalp falls under code 12032.
10. a) 15002
    • Surgical preparation of a 70 sq cm wound on the leg before skin grafting is coded as 15002.