Chapter 3: CPT Coding Steps

Question 1

What is the first step when doing CPT Coding Steps?

Answer 1

Identify the Procedure using SOAP

Question 2

What does S means on SOAP?

Answer 2

Subjective such as: Pain in the left ankle.

Question 3

What does O means on SOAP?

Answer 3

Objectives such as: Patient’s left ankle is swollen and warm to the touch (that the patient has)

Question 4

What does A means on SOAP?

Answer 4

Assessment such as: Effusion, left ankle (medical diagnosis)

Question 5

What does P means on SOAP?

Answer 5

Plan such as: Motrin as needed for pain.

Question 6

What is the second step when doing CPT Coding Steps?

Answer 6

Consult the CPT Index

Question 7

What happens where there is more than one code in a given index entry?

Answer 7

They may be separated by a coma, hyper or combination of both (ex: Joint…..20600, [20604-20606], 20610)

Question 8

What is the third step when doing CPT Coding Steps?

Answer 8

Verify the Code.

Question 9

What is the fourth step when doing CPT Coding Steps?

Answer 9

Append a Modifier such as: 50, F5 and RT.

Question 10

When are modifiers like LT(left) and RT(right) used to?

Answer 10

Identify procedures performed on one side of paired organs of body parts like lungs, eyes, knees, etc.