CPC Examination Questions - How to Use the Process of Elimination on Your Medical Coding Exam

Contempo Coding
28 Apr 202215:30
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, Victoria Muller, a medical coding educator, shares valuable tips on how to pass the CPC exam efficiently. She emphasizes the use of the process of elimination method for multiple-choice questions, which can significantly speed up the exam and increase the chances of success. Victoria provides practical examples and strategies tailored for the CPC exam, highlighting the importance of understanding the structure of ICD-10-CM codes and CPT guidelines to quickly eliminate incorrect options and confidently select the correct answers.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The video aims to help viewers pass the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam using the process of elimination method for multiple-choice questions.
  • 👩‍🏫 Victoria Muller, a medical coding auditor, educator, and content creator, shares her expertise to assist in exam preparation.
  • 🎯 The process of elimination can significantly speed up answering multiple-choice questions by quickly discarding two incorrect answers.
  • 📈 Understanding the structure of ICD-10-CM codes can help in eliminating options based on the first letter, such as 'N' for genital urinary conditions.
  • 🔍 For longer questions, it's beneficial to look at the answer choices first to understand what the question is asking before diving into the details.
  • 📚 The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including 10 case studies, and is administered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders).
  • ⏰ Exam takers have four hours to complete the CPC exam, which can be split into two two-hour sessions if taken online.
  • 📈 Victoria emphasizes the importance of not only knowing the codes but also understanding the guidelines and structure behind them for effective exam preparation.
  • 📖 The video provides examples of how to apply the process of elimination with actual exam-like questions, such as determining the ICD-10-CM code for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
  • 🤔 Strategies for saving time during the exam include marking answers for verification if time permits at the end of the test and focusing on the most likely correct answers first.
  • 💻 Victoria offers a Medical Coding Master Class and a CPC review playlist on her YouTube channel for comprehensive exam preparation.
Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video?

    -The main focus of the video is to teach viewers how to effectively use the process of elimination method for the multiple-choice CPC (Certified Professional Coder) examination.

  • Who is the speaker in the video?

    -The speaker in the video is Victoria Muller, a medical coder auditor, educator, and content creator.

  • What is the CPC exam?

    -The CPC exam is the Certified Professional Coder examination, which tests knowledge on professional or physician services in medical coding. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including 10 case studies, and is administered by the AAPC.

  • How long is the CPC exam and how is the time allocated for online and in-person testing?

    -The CPC exam is four hours long. For online testing, it is split into two two-hour sessions, while in-person testing allows for breaks without stopping the clock.

  • What is the significance of knowing the ICD-10-CM code structure when using the process of elimination?

    -Knowing the ICD-10-CM code structure is significant because it allows you to quickly eliminate incorrect options based on the first letter of the code, which corresponds to a specific body system or condition, thus speeding up the exam process.

  • How does the speaker suggest approaching a question with multiple coding options?

    -The speaker suggests first identifying what is being asked and the available options (A, B, C, D), then looking at the question and options to determine what can be eliminated, and finally looking up the remaining options to find the correct answer.

  • What is the strategy for tackling a question about anesthesia time reporting?

    -The strategy for anesthesia time reporting is to first eliminate options with incorrect start times and then refer to the anesthesia guidelines in the CPT manual to determine the correct end time, which is when the patient is turned over to the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit).

  • How does the speaker recommend handling a question with a diagnosis code for behavioral disturbances in early-onset Alzheimer's?

    -The speaker recommends looking up the primary code (G30.0 for Alzheimer's disease) and then adding the secondary code (F02.81 for behavioral disturbances) as indicated by the guidelines, ensuring that the primary code is listed first.

  • What is the speaker's advice for questions related to CPT codes with modifiers?

    -The speaker advises to first determine if a specific code exists for the service without a modifier or if a modifier is required to reduce the service. Then, look up the codes in the CPT manual to confirm the correct code and necessary modifier.

  • What additional resources does the speaker offer for those preparing for the CPC exam?

    -The speaker offers a full CPC review series on her YouTube channel and a CPC review course on her website, contempocoding.com, for those seeking more in-depth help in preparing for the CPC exam.

  • How can the process of elimination save time during the CPC exam?

    -The process of elimination can save time by quickly narrowing down the multiple-choice options to the most likely answers, reducing the need to look up every possible answer in the manual, and allowing test-takers to focus on the remaining options that are most likely correct.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to the CPC Exam Strategy

Victoria Muller, a medical coding educator, introduces a video designed to help viewers pass the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam. She outlines a tactic called the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions, which she has previously covered in her CPC review series. Victoria emphasizes the importance of this method for exam success and mentions her Medical Coding Master Class for those new to medical coding. She provides an overview of the CPC exam, highlighting its 100-question format, the inclusion of case studies, and the time limit of four hours. The video aims to teach viewers how to speed up their exam process by eliminating incorrect answer choices effectively.

05:01
🧐 Understanding the Process of Elimination

The paragraph focuses on the strategy of eliminating incorrect answers to speed up the exam process. Victoria explains that by understanding the structure of ICD-10-CM codes, one can quickly rule out certain options. She uses the example of a urinary tract infection (UTI) code to demonstrate how to narrow down the possible answers from four to two by eliminating unrelated codes. Victoria also discusses the difference between exam strategies and daily coding practices, emphasizing that the process of elimination is specific to testing situations. She encourages viewers to verify their answers if time permits at the end of the exam.

10:01
🔍 Applying the Process of Elimination to Specific Scenarios

Victoria provides detailed examples of how to apply the process of elimination to various coding scenarios. She uses the case of early-onset Alzheimer's with behavioral disturbances to illustrate how to identify the correct diagnosis codes. Victoria explains the importance of understanding the sequence of codes and the use of additional codes. She also discusses the anesthesia time reporting example, showing how to eliminate incorrect options based on the start and end times of anesthesia. The paragraph concludes with a strategy for a CPT coding scenario involving a circumcision without a dorsal block, demonstrating how to use the process of elimination to identify the correct code and necessary modifier.

15:02
🎯 Wrapping Up the CPC Exam Strategies

In the final paragraph, Victoria summarizes the process of elimination strategy for the CPC exam, emphasizing its utility in speeding up the exam and increasing the chances of success. She encourages viewers to utilize the strategy to make the exam process easier and points them towards additional resources, including a playlist on her YouTube channel and her CPC review available on her website. Victoria concludes by motivating viewers to study and prepare for the exam, promising to provide more helpful content in future videos.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡CPC Exam
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam is a critical assessment for individuals seeking certification in medical coding. Administered by the AAPC, it tests knowledge on coding for physician services, covering 100 multiple-choice questions, including case studies. The video highlights tactics and strategies, specifically the process of elimination, to excel in this exam. The emphasis on passing the CPC Exam reflects its importance for aspiring medical coders, underscoring the exam's role in validating expertise in coding medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.
💡Process of Elimination
This method is a strategic approach to answering multiple-choice questions by systematically ruling out incorrect answers to narrow down the choices. In the context of the CPC Exam, the video explains how to use this technique to increase speed and efficiency in solving questions. Examples demonstrate eliminating options based on coding guidelines, knowledge of medical terms, and specifics of the coding system, which is crucial for the exam's time-limited nature.
💡Medical Coding
Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. The video discusses this practice in the context of preparing for the CPC Exam, emphasizing the need for proficiency in coding standards, guidelines, and the application of these codes in real-world and exam settings. The narrative illustrates how understanding medical coding is pivotal for both passing the exam and pursuing a career in the field.
💡ICD-10-CM Codes
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes are used to represent diagnoses. The video uses examples of how to identify these codes during the exam, highlighting the significance of understanding the code structure and specific codes for conditions like urinary tract infections. It illustrates the process of using these codes in the exam context, emphasizing their role in medical coding and billing.
💡CPT Codes
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. The video explains their importance in the CPC Exam, offering strategies to determine the correct CPT codes for given scenarios, such as circumcision procedures. It showcases how knowledge of CPT code guidelines and modifiers, like the 52 modifier for reduced services, is essential for accurate medical coding and exam success.
💡Anesthesia Coding
This concept refers to coding practices specific to anesthesia services, including start and end times. The video presents a question related to determining the correct anesthesia time, illustrating the need to understand anesthesia guidelines within the CPC Exam. It shows how to apply these guidelines to calculate times accurately, highlighting the practical application of coding rules in exam scenarios.
💡Modifier 52
Modifier 52 is used in medical coding to indicate a reduced service, meaning that a procedure was partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician. The video includes an example of how to apply this modifier in the context of the CPC Exam, specifically in determining the correct code for a circumcision performed without a dorsal block. This example demonstrates the importance of modifiers in coding procedures accurately.
💡Medical Coding Master Class
Mentioned early in the video, this master class is presented as a comprehensive resource for individuals looking to enter the field of medical coding. It aims to provide a roadmap covering essential knowledge, training programs, and preparation for certifications like the CPC Exam. The inclusion of this class underscores the video's goal to equip viewers with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in medical coding and certification.
💡AAPC
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the organization that administers the CPC Exam. The video references the AAPC to highlight the authoritative source of the certification, emphasizing its significance in the professional coding community. It signals the AAPC's role in setting standards, providing education, and certifying coding professionals.
💡Coding Guidelines
These are standardized rules and instructions for coding medical procedures and diagnoses. The video discusses the importance of understanding these guidelines to navigate the CPC Exam successfully, particularly in the application of ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. It shows how familiarity with coding guidelines aids in efficiently answering exam questions and is critical for accuracy in real-world coding.
Highlights

Victoria Muller, a medical coder auditor, educator, and content creator, shares her expertise on passing the CPC exam.

The video introduces a tactic for using the process of elimination method for multiple-choice examinations.

Victoria has helped many people pass their CPC exam with her strategies.

The CPC exam is the Certified Professional Coder Examination, focusing on medical coding for physician services.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including 10 case studies, and is administered by the AAPC.

Candidates have four hours to complete the CPC exam, either in two two-hour sessions online or in one sitting in person.

Victoria emphasizes the importance of speed and strategic answering to maximize time efficiency during the exam.

She provides a Medical Coding Master Class for those interested in getting into medical coding and taking the CPC exam.

The video includes practical examples of how to apply the process of elimination to CPC exam questions.

Victoria explains how to identify and eliminate incorrect answer choices based on the structure of ICD-10-CM codes.

She demonstrates how to quickly narrow down answer options by understanding the question's requirements and the provided choices.

Victoria provides a strategy for tackling questions related to anesthesia guidelines and CPT codes.

The video highlights the importance of knowing when to verify answers and when to trust your initial judgment during the exam.

She offers additional resources, such as a CPC review playlist and a website for more in-depth help with the CPC exam.

Victoria encourages viewers to subscribe for more helpful content related to medical coding and certification preparation.

The video concludes with a reminder to keep studying and coding as part of the journey to pass the CPC exam.

Transcripts

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