AAPC Exam CPC Topic 17 Question 54 Discussion

Actual exam question for AAPC's CPC exam

Question #: 54
Topic #: 17

[All CPC Questions]

A patient with three thyroid nodules is seen for an FNA biopsy. Using ultrasonic guidance, the provider inserts a 25-gauge needle into each nodule. Nodular tissue is aspirated and sent to pathology.

What CPT coding reported?

A10005, 10006 x 2, 76942

B10006 x 3

C10005, 10006 x 2

D10021, 10004 x 2, 76942

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

The CPT code 10005 is for fine needle aspiration biopsy, including ultrasound guidance, for the first lesion. CPT code 10006 is for each additional lesion with ultrasound guidance. Since the provider aspirated tissue from three nodules, the coding should be 10005 for the first nodule and 10006 x 2 for the additional two nodules. Reference: AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year)

by Rosalind at Nov 02, 2025, 02:03 PM

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Kati

3 days ago

I'm a bit confused. The question mentions 25-gauge needles and aspirating nodular tissue, but I'm not sure how that translates to the CPT codes. I'll need to review the coding guidelines carefully.

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Alyce

9 days ago

Okay, let's see. We have a patient with three thyroid nodules who underwent an FNA biopsy with ultrasonic guidance. I'm not sure which CPT codes would apply here.

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Jean

14 days ago

Hmm, this seems straightforward. I think the key is identifying the correct CPT codes for the procedures performed.

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