Ace Your Medical Coding Exam: 10 Essential ICD-10-CM Practice Questions

 

Test your medical coding knowledge with our free ICD-10-CM practice exam. Includes 10 realistic questions and detailed answers to help you pass your certification

Mastering the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) is the cornerstone of a successful career in medical coding. Whether you are preparing for the CPC, CCS, or CMC exams, your ability to navigate the Tabular List and Alphabetic Index is critical for accurate reimbursement and data reporting.

This practice exam is designed for aspiring medical coders and students who want to test your knowledge of the current coding guidelines. By practicing with these realistic scenarios, you’ll identify your strengths and pinpoint areas that need more study time before your big exam day.

 

 Ace Your Medical Coding Exam: 10 Essential ICD-10-CM Practice Questions

Instructions for Exam Takers

To get the most out of this mock test, please follow these guidelines:

·         Time Suggestion: Aim to complete all 10 questions in 20 minutes (2 minutes per question), mirroring the pace required in official certification exams.

·         Scoring Method: Each correct answer earns 1 point. Aim for a score of 8/10 or higher to demonstrate proficiency.

·         Materials: Have your current year ICD-10-CM codebook handy to look up codes and conventions.

 

Practice Exam: ICD-10-CM Mastery

 

1. Which of the following is a "General Coding Guideline" in ICD-10-CM regarding the use of the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List?

A) Use only the Alphabetic Index to assign a code.

B) Use only the Tabular List to assign a code.

C) Locate the term in the Alphabetic Index and verify it in the Tabular List.

D) The Tabular List is only used if the Alphabetic Index is unclear.

 

2. A patient is seen for an initial encounter for a displaced fracture of the right distal radius. What character is used in the 7th position?

A) D

B) S

C) A

D) G

 

3. In the ICD-10-CM Tabular List, which convention signifies that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but the patient may have both conditions at the same time?

A) Excludes1

B) Excludes2

C) Code First

D) Use Additional Code

 

4. A patient is treated for acute and chronic cholecystitis. Following the sequencing guidelines, how should this be coded?

A) Code only the acute condition.

B) Code only the chronic condition.

C) Code the acute condition first, followed by the chronic condition.

D) Code the chronic condition first, followed by the acute condition.

 

5. Which of the following is true regarding "sequela" (late effects) coding?

A) The residual effect is sequenced first, followed by the sequela code.

B) The sequela code is sequenced first, followed by the residual effect.

C) Only the sequela code is required.

D) Sequela codes can only be used within 30 days of the injury.

 

6. A 45-year-old patient is seen for their annual physical exam. During the exam, the physician discovers and treats a new case of hypertension. How is this coded?

A) Code only the encounter for adult periodic examination.

B) Code only the hypertension.

C) Code the encounter for adult periodic examination first, followed by the code for hypertension.

D) Code the hypertension first, followed by the encounter for adult periodic examination.

 

7. When a patient has a "Borderline" diagnosis at the time of discharge, how should it be coded?

A) Code as if the condition is confirmed.

B) Do not code it at all.

C) Code as a "Signs and Symptoms" code.

D) Look for a specific "Borderline" code; if not available, code the condition as confirmed.

 

8. Which of the following punctuation marks is used in the Tabular List to enclose synonyms, alternative wording, or explanatory phrases?

A) Brackets [ ]

B) Parentheses ( )

C) Colons :

D) Braces { }

 

9. A patient is admitted with pneumonia. The physician's final diagnostic statement reads: "Pneumonia, likely Mycoplasma." How is this coded in an inpatient setting?

A) Code as confirmed Mycoplasma pneumonia.

B) Code only as "unspecified pneumonia."

C) Code as a "Signs and Symptoms" code.

D) Code as a "Probable" condition using the specific Mycoplasma code.

 

10. In ICD-10-CM, "Late effect" is synonymous with which term?

A) Acute

B) Sequela

C) Subacute

D) Complication

 

Answer Key + Brief Explanations

 

1.      C) Locate the term in the Alphabetic Index and verify it in the Tabular List. Explanation: ICD-10-CM guidelines state that both must be used. The Index provides the initial code, but the Tabular List is essential to verify accuracy and check for instructional notes.

 

2.      C) A Explanation: The 7th character "A" is used for the initial encounter for fractures. "D" is for subsequent encounters and "S" is for sequela.

 

3.      B) Excludes2 Explanation: An Excludes2 note indicates that the excluded condition is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both at the same time.

 

4.      C) Code the acute condition first, followed by the chronic condition. Explanation: If the same condition is described as both acute and chronic, and separate subentries exist in the Index, the acute code is always sequenced first.

 

5.      A) The residual effect is sequenced first, followed by the sequela code. Explanation: Coding for sequela generally requires two codes: the condition or nature of the sequela first, and the sequela (late effect) code second.

 

6.      C) Code the encounter for adult periodic examination first, followed by the code for hypertension. Explanation: Per coding guidelines, if a condition is discovered during a preventive visit, the preventive code is primary, followed by the code for the newly diagnosed condition.

 

7.      D) Look for a specific "Borderline" code; if not available, code the condition as confirmed. Explanation: Borderline diagnoses are coded as confirmed unless the classification provides a specific entry (e.g., Borderline Diabetes).

 

8.      A) Brackets [ ] Explanation: In the Tabular List, brackets enclose synonyms or alternative wording. Parentheses are used for nonessential modifiers in both the Index and Tabular.

 

9.      D) Code as a "Probable" condition using the specific Mycoplasma code. Explanation: In the inpatient setting, "uncertain" diagnoses (likely, suspected, etc.) are coded as if the condition exists.

 

10. B) Sequela Explanation: Sequela refers to the residual effect after the acute phase of an illness or injury has terminated.

 

How to Improve Your Score

If you struggled with these questions, don't worry—ICD-10-CM is a complex system that takes time to master. Here are three tips to boost your performance:

·         Read the Official Guidelines: At the start of every year, the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are updated. Read the "General Coding Guidelines" section at least three times.

·         Highlight Your Book: Use tabs and highlighters to mark common conventions like "Includes," "Excludes1," and "Code Also."

·         Practice Scenario-Based Coding: Don't just look up codes; read full medical reports to practice identifying the principal diagnosis and relevant secondary conditions.

Great job on completing this practice test! Consistent practice is the only way to build the "coding muscle memory" needed for a career in medical coding.