AAPC CPC Exam - Topic 3 Question 36 Discussion

Actual exam question for AAPC's CPC exam

Question #: 36
Topic #: 3

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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Lai

6 months ago

Definitely A, that's the standard for CRNA services in this case.

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Lucy

6 months ago

I thought MAC was only for outpatient procedures, this seems odd.

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Celestina

6 months ago

Wait, is the P5 status really relevant here?

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Merissa

7 months ago

I disagree, I believe it's C, 00520-QX-QS-P5.

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Joaquin

7 months ago

I think the answer is A, 01925-QZ-QS-P5.

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Bulah

7 months ago

I thought P5 was just a status indicator, but I’m not clear on how it affects the coding. I need to double-check that.

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Jerilyn

7 months ago

I practiced a similar question where we had to choose between QX and QZ modifiers. I feel like QZ is the right choice here, but I’m hesitant.

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Maia

7 months ago

I think the QZ modifier indicates that the CRNA is working independently, but I can't recall if that's the right one for this scenario.

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Tenesha

8 months ago

I remember that for MAC, we often use codes like 01925, but I'm not sure about the modifiers.

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Helga

8 months ago

This is a tricky one. There are a lot of moving parts to consider, like the specific procedures performed, the CRNA's role, and the patient's status. I'm going to carefully review the coding rules and options before making my final selection.

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Abraham

8 months ago

Hmm, I'm a little unsure about this one. There are a few different options presented, and I want to make sure I select the right one that accurately reflects the services provided. I'll need to double-check the coding guidelines.

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Layla

8 months ago

This seems like a straightforward question about coding for a CRNA providing MAC for a cardiac catheterization procedure. I'll need to carefully review the details to determine the appropriate code and modifier combination.

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Idella

8 months ago

Okay, I think I've got this. Based on the details provided, the correct code and modifier combination would be 01925-QZ-QS-P5. The CRNA provided MAC for the cardiac cath procedure, and the P5 modifier indicates the patient's high-risk status.

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Anabel

8 months ago

I remember discussing home healthcare and how it applies before and after hospital stays. I think both periods are significant.

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Melita

2 years 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

2 years ago

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

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Elly

2 years ago

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

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Alex

2 years ago

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

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Colene

2 years 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

2 years ago

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

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Janey

2 years ago

That makes sense. Option C it is.

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Alida

2 years ago

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

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Tula

2 years ago

I think option C is the correct one.

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Arlene

2 years 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

2 years 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

2 years 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

2 years 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

2 years ago

C) 00520-QX-QS-P5

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Blythe

2 years ago

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

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Madalyn

2 years ago

A) 01925-QZ-QS-P5

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Celestina

2 years ago

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

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Flo

2 years 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

2 years 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

2 years ago

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

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