AAPC Exam CPC Topic 3 Question 36 Discussion

Actual exam question for AAPC's CPC exam

Question #: 36
Topic #: 3

[All CPC Questions]

A patient is taken to the radiology department for a radiological cardiac catheterization. An acute MI of the left anterior descending coronary artery is found. The cardiologist performs a suction thrombectomy, followed by atherectomy and a stent to the artery. A CRNA provides MAC for this patient, who is status P5.

What code/modifier combination would you report for the services of the CRNA?

A01925-QZ-QS-P5

B00520-QZ-P5

C00520-QX-QS-P5

D01925-QZ-P5

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

The patient is undergoing a cardiac catheterization with a CRNA providing monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Code 00520 is for anesthesia for heart catheterization procedures. Modifier QX indicates CRNA service with medical direction by a physician, QS indicates MAC, and P5 indicates a patient with a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. Thus, the correct code and modifier combination is 00520-QX-QS-P5. Reference: CPT Professional Edition (current year), AMA.

by Brandon at Sep 19, 2024, 05:09 AM

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Melita

5 months ago

I'm just hoping I don't have to deal with all these crazy codes and modifiers when I'm a CRNA. Maybe I should have gone into stand-up comedy instead.

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Becky

4 months ago

C: Don't worry, you'll be a pro in no time!

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Elly

4 months ago

B: Yeah, it can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it.

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Alex

4 months ago

A: You'll get the hang of it! Just takes some practice.

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Colene

5 months ago

Option C looks good to me. The QX modifier indicates the CRNA was medically directed, and the QS modifier is for monitored anesthesia care.

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Kassandra

4 months ago

Great, we're all in agreement then. Option C it is.

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Janey

4 months ago

That makes sense. Option C it is.

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Alida

4 months ago

Yes, I agree. The QX modifier indicates medical direction and the QS modifier is for monitored anesthesia care.

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Tula

5 months ago

I think option C is the correct one.

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Arlene

5 months ago

I'm not sure, but I think D) 01925-QZ-P5 could also be a possible option based on the procedure performed.

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Marlon

5 months ago

I disagree, I believe it is C) 00520-QX-QS-P5 because of the specific services provided by the CRNA.

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Frankie

6 months ago

Hmm, I'm not sure. The question mentions a suction thrombectomy and atherectomy, so I'm wondering if a different code might be more appropriate.

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Merlyn

4 months ago

I disagree, I believe option C is more accurate as it specifies the suction thrombectomy and includes the modifier for the CRNA.

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Wilburn

5 months ago

C) 00520-QX-QS-P5

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Blythe

5 months ago

I think option A is correct because it includes both the suction thrombectomy and atherectomy.

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Madalyn

5 months ago

A) 01925-QZ-QS-P5

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Celestina

6 months ago

I think the correct code/modifier combination is A) 01925-QZ-QS-P5.

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Flo

6 months ago

I think option A is the correct code/modifier combination. The CRNA provided MAC for a patient with status P5, and the code 01925 is for cardiac catheterization.

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Rodrigo

5 months ago

Yes, I think so too. The CRNA provided MAC for a patient with status P5, and the code 01925 is for cardiac catheterization.

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Lourdes

5 months ago

I agree, option A seems to be the correct choice.

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