AAPC CPC Exam With Confidence Using Practice Dumps

1. Procedure Details and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient is undergoing stage 2 treatment for double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with a removal of the pulmonary artery band and transposition repair of the great vessels.

Code 33779 is specific for correction of a double outlet right ventricle, with transposition of the great arteries. This code accurately reflects the procedure performed, including the complex repair involving the transposition of the pulmonary trunk and aortic root.

Code 33953 is used to report the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which was used to maintain oxygenation during the procedure.

Code 33985 is for the termination of ECMO following the surgical repair once heart function has resumed. Both 33953 and 33985 accurately document the initiation and termination of ECMO during this complex heart repair.

2. Modifier Selection:

Modifier 78 (unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period) is appropriate here. This is a subsequent stage in the treatment plan, but due to the complexity and specific surgical intervention required, it is treated as a return to the OR for related procedure coding.

Modifier 58 (staged or related procedure during the postoperative period) would not be as suitable here because the procedure involves a new return to the OR.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

AAPC guidelines support the use of specific modifiers (78 for unplanned return) and appropriate ECMO codes (33953 and 33985) in complex cardiac cases requiring bypass and staged treatment.

Thus, the correct CPT® codes based on CPT® and AAPC coding standards are C. 33779-78, 33953-78, 33985-78.

69209 = Cerumen removal using irrigation

69210 = Cerumen removal using instrumentation

Different techniques on different ears require separate codes with laterality modifiers

Procedure Coding (CPT®):

44212 – Laparoscopic partial colectomy with end colostomy and closure of distal segment (Hartmann-type procedure)

Correct because:

Sigmoid/descending colon resection

Proximal colostomy created

Distal rectal stump closed

44213 – Laparoscopic mobilization of splenic flexure

Separately reportable because:

Mobilization was necessary to exteriorize colon for colostomy

Not bundled into 44212

Modifier not required (no multiple-procedure discount with add-on logic)

Diagnosis Coding (ICD-10-CM):

K57.33 – Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and bleeding, without abscess

Documentation supports:

Diverticulitis

Active bleeding

No abscess reported

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A / B – 44206 = colectomy with anastomosis (not performed)

A / B – K57.41 includes abscess (not documented)

C – Missing splenic flexure add-on explanation

CPT® & ICD-10-CM Guideline Alignment:

Hartmann procedure ≠ anastomosis

Bleeding elevates diagnosis specificity

Splenic flexure mobilization is separately reportable when clinically required