AHIMAS CERTIFIED CODING SPECIALIST

AHIMA’S CERTIFIED CODING SPECIALIST

(CCS) PRACTICE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS

AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED

ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025

Domain I: Coding Knowledge and Skills (Diagnosis and Procedure Coding)

• Which ICD-10-CM code is used for a patient diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

mellitus with diabetic nephropathy?

A. E10.21

B. E11.21

C. E11.9

D. N08

Rationale: E11.21 is for Type 2 diabetes with diabetic nephropathy. E10 codes are for Type 1 diabetes.

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• What is the correct ICD-10-PCS code for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

A. 0FT44ZZ

B. 0FB40ZZ

C. 0DTJ4ZZ

D. 0FJ44ZZ

Rationale: 0FT44ZZ = Resection (removal) of gallbladder, percutaneous

endoscopic (laparoscopic), no device, no qualifier.

• A patient presents with an acute inferior wall MI. Which ICD-10-CM code is

appropriate?

A. I21.19

B. I21.3

C. I21.9

D. I25.2

Rationale: I21.19 is for STEMI of other sites, including inferior wall.

• What is the root operation in ICD-10-PCS for a coronary artery bypass with

synthetic graft?

• Resection
• Bypass
• Bypass
• Transplantation 2 / 3

Rationale: The root operation “Bypass” is used when rerouting blood flow, such as coronary bypass surgery.

• What is the correct CPT code for a laparoscopic appendectomy?

A. 44970

B. 44950

C. 44960

D. 44979

Rationale: 44970 is for laparoscopic appendectomy. 44950 is open.

Domain II: Coding Documentation and Provider Queries

• Which of the following is the best justification to query a provider?
• To boost DRG
• To ensure higher reimbursement
• To clarify conflicting documentation
• To add a new diagnosis

Rationale: Queries should clarify, not lead, especially when documentation is

inconsistent or incomplete.

7. A query should be issued when documentation is:

• Clear and complete
• Ambiguous or inconsistent
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