Ace Your Certification: Free Medical Billing and Coding Sample Test to Boost Your Skills
introduction: Why a Free Medical billing and Coding Sample Test Matters
Preparing for a medical billing and coding certification takes dedication, practice, and the right resources. Whether you’re aiming for credentials like CPC,CCS,or CCSP,a free sample test can be the turning point between hesitation and confidence. This article provides a thorough, SEO-friendly, and practical free sample test designed to sharpen your ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS knowledge, strengthen E/M understanding, and boost your ability to navigate real-world denial risks.
You’ll find genuine sample questions, concise explanations, actionable study tips, and two brief case studies to simulate real clinical billing scenarios. Read on to learn how to use the test effectively, discover its benefits, and apply the insights to your certification journey.
what You Will Learn
- ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding basics: selecting the correct diagnosis codes and understanding coding guidelines.
- CPT coding patterns: when to use evaluation and management (E/M) codes, procedure codes, and modifier considerations.
- HCPCS Level II coding: understanding the role of supplies, equipment, and non-CPT items in claims.
- Modifiers and coding logic: how modifiers like 25 and 59 influence reimbursement and claim integrity.
- Documentation and medical necessity: what documentation supports coding decisions and compliant billing.
- Denials and prevention: common denial reasons and practical tips to minimize them before claim submission.
- Ethics, compliance, and payer guidance: where to find authoritative guidelines and how to apply them in practice.
Pro tip: Treat this sample test as a diagnostic tool. After you finish, review explanations, map questions to your study plan, and focus on the weakest areas.
How to Use the Free Sample Test
- Time yourself to mirror real exam conditions. A 60-90 minute window works well for many certification exams.
- Answer first, then read the explanations. Use the explanations to identify knowledge gaps.
- Mark questions you’re unsure about and revisit relevant study materials or practice tests.
- Keep a study log: note the question type (ICD-10-CM, CPT, E/M, modifiers) and the correct logic so you can track progress over sessions.
- Apply the test results to a practical study plan.If you struggle with difficult topics like E/M decision making, schedule extra practice and review the official guidelines.
Free Medical Billing and Coding Sample Test
below is a curated set of multiple-choice questions designed to reinforce core concepts. Each question includes a brief description to help you learn from the answer.
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Question 1: Which ICD-10-CM code best describes acute bronchitis, unspecified?
A J20.9
B J20.0
C J20.1
D J20.89
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Question 2: Which CPT code range is used for evaluation and Management (E/M) services?
A 10000-19999
B 30000-39999
C 99202-99215
D 70000-79999
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Question 3: Which statement about modifiers is true?
A Modifier 25 is used with E/M services to indicate a separate, notable E/M service.
B Modifier 59 is used to indicate distinct procedures not normally bundled together.
C Both A and B are true.
D Neither A nor B is true.
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Question 4: Which documentation element most directly supports an appropriate E/M level?
A history and Medical Decision Making only
B History, Exam, and Medical Decision Making
C Exam and Medical Necessity
D Patient consent form only
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Question 5: What does ICD-10-CM stand for?
A International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification
B International Coding of Diagnoses, 10th Revision, Medical
C Integrated Coding of Diagnoses, 9th Revision, Clinical Medicine
D International Codes of Diagnosis, 11th Revision
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Question 6: HCPCS Level II codes are primarily used for:
A CPT procedure codes only
B Diagnoses
C Items not included in CPT such as durable medical equipment, supplies, and certain nonphysician services
D Inpatient facility coding -
Question 7: What is generally considered ”upcoding”?
A Assigning a lower-level code to ensure timely payment
B Assigning a higher-level code than warranted by the documentation
C Coding only what is documented, even if the procedure is incomplete
D Reclassifying a diagnosis for statistical purposes -
question 8: Which of the following is a primary component used to determine an E/M level?
A History, Exam, and Medical Decision Making
B History and Payment Method
C Exam and Physician Specialty
D Consent and Documentation Only
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Question 9: What is a common reason for medical claim denials that can be mitigated with proper coding?
A Missing or incorrect place of service
B Submitting claims electronically
C Timely filing
D Using modifiers correctly -
Question 10: True or False: ICD-10-CM codes are used for outpatient, clinic, or physician services, while ICD-10-PCS is used for inpatient procedures.
A True
B False
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Question 11: Which statement best describes “bundling” in CPT guidelines?
A Some services are included in a procedure and cannot be billed separately
B Every service can always be billed separately
C Bundling only applies to HCPCS codes
D Bundling applies to all diagnoses
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Question 12: Which CPT code is commonly associated with a standard established patient (outpatient) office visit of low complexity in many guidelines?
A 99212
B 99285
C 93000
D 70450
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Question 13: Which form is predominantly used for professional (non-institutional) claims in the United States?
A UB-04
B CMS-1500 (08-05)
C UB-92
D CMS-1450 -
Question 14: If a payer requires prior authorization for a procedure, what is a best practice?
A Submit the claim without authorization and wait for denial
B Obtain prior authorization before the service, when possible
C Ignore the payer’s requirement
D Only document the authorization after payment -
Question 15: Which of the following topics is most relevant when auditing a medical claim for accuracy?
A Coding consistency with documented services
B Scheduling efficiency
C Patient satisfaction scores only
D Clinic location popularity
Answer key and explanations follow in the next section. Use the explanations to reinforce correct decision-making and improve your study plan.
Answer Key with Explanations
- Answer: A J20.9 is “Acute bronchitis, unspecified.” J20.0 would be acute bronchitis with acute bronchitis features, but J20.9 is the unspecified form in many coding scenarios. Explanation: ICD-10-CM coding requires selecting the most specific code documented, with J20.9 commonly used for unspecified acute bronchitis when documentation lacks detail.
- Answer: C 99202-99215 covers common E/M office visits for new and established patients. Explanation: CPT ranges for E/M services span several levels; choosing the appropriate level depends on history, exam, and medical decision making.
- Answer: C Both A and B are true. Explanation: Modifier 25 is used with a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a procedure; Modifier 59 indicates distinct procedural services that are not typically bundled.
- Answer: B History, Exam, and Medical decision Making. Explanation: The classic E/M level determination relies on these three components, though documentation quality and payer guidelines also influence final coding.
- Answer: A ICD-10-CM stands for international Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification. Explanation: This diagnosis coding system is distinct from ICD-10-PCS, which covers inpatient procedures.
- Answer: C HCPCS Level II codes cover items not included in CPT,such as durable medical equipment and certain nonphysician services.Explanation: They complement CPT for a complete claim.
- Answer: B Upcoding means assigning a higher-level code than warranted by the documentation. Explanation: This is unethical and illegal; audits target such practices.
- Answer: A History, Exam, and Medical Decision Making. Explanation: Those three elements form the core criteria for many E/M determinations.
- Answer: A Missing or incorrect place of service can lead to denials; accurate place of service and other claim data reduce denial risk. Explanation: Clean claims rely on correct data fields and supporting documentation.
- Answer: A True. ICD-10-CM codes cover diagnoses and outpatient settings; ICD-10-PCS is used for inpatient procedures. Explanation: Distinct purposes across coding systems.
- Answer: A bundling means some services are included in a procedure and cannot be billed separately. Explanation: Proper coding requires recognizing bundled services and applying modifiers or option codes when appropriate.
- Answer: A 99212. Explanation: 99212 is a common established patient visit code for low-level complexity, though payer guidelines can vary; always verify current guidelines.
- Answer: B CMS-1500 (08-05).Explanation: The CMS-1500 form is used for professional services claims by providers in outpatient settings.
- Answer: B Obtain prior authorization before the service, when possible. Explanation: Proactive prior authorization reduces denial risk and aligns with payer requirements.
- Answer: A Coding consistency with documented services. Explanation: Audits focus on aligning the codes with the actual services documented in the chart.
Case Studies: Real-World Scenarios
Case Study 1: Primary Care Visit with a Procedure
A patient presents for a routine follow-up visit for hypertension management. during the visit, the clinician orders an X-ray to rule out a new respiratory complaint. The patient’s chart includes a thorough history, comprehensive medication reconciliation, a focused physical exam, and a plan to adjust medications. The coder must decide whether to bill the E/M service alone or to bundle the follow-up visit with the imaging service.
key learning: When a separate imaging service with a distinct CPT code is performed on the same day, it may be billed separately, provided the documentation supports the service and modifiers are used correctly if required by the payer.
Case Study 2: Modifier Use in a Minor Procedure
In a dermatology clinic, a patient undergoes removal of a benign lesion. The physician documents the pre-procedure assessment (history, exam) and the procedure itself, with anesthesia.modifier 59 is considered, but the coder must determine if the payer would accept it or if a more precise modifier is warranted.
Key learning: Modifier selection requires understanding the payer’s guidelines and the medical necessity for separating services that would otherwise be bundled.Overuse or misuse can trigger audits.
Study Plan: Fast 5-Day Schedule
Use this simple study plan to organize practice sessions and ensure balanced coverage of ICD-10-CM,CPT,and HCPCS topics.The table uses a WordPress-friendly class for clean rendering.
| Day | Topic Focus | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | ICD-10-CM basics & diagnosis coding guidelines | 60 minutes |
| Tuesday | CPT coding fundamentals & E/M overview | 75 minutes |
| Wednesday | Modifiers, denials, and payer guidelines | 60 minutes |
| Thursday | HCPCS Level II basics and common supplies | 45 minutes |
| Friday | Practice test review & error correction | 60 minutes |
Benefits and Practical Tips
- Boost confidence: Regular practice with sample tests improves recall and decision-making under test conditions.
- Reduce denials: Understanding common denial reasons helps you preempt errors before claim submission.
- Improve documentation habits: Knowing what supports E/M levels drives better charting practices.
- Break into high-demand roles: Certification opens doors to coding, auditing, and revenue cycle roles in clinics, hospitals, and remote teams.
Practical tip: After finishing the sample test, create a one-page “cheat sheet” with key guidelines:
ICD-10-CM basics, CPT/E/M level guidance, frequent modifiers, and common denial triggers.
First-Hand Experience: Learner Perspectives
Many successful coders report that integrating free practice tests into a structured study plan accelerates their readiness. One learner shared:
“I used free sample tests weekly, mapped every wrong answer to the official guidelines, and built a personalized quick-reference guide. By week four, my confidence soared, and I scored higher on practice exams than I expected.”
takeaway: Realistic practice, guided explanations, and an action plan tailored to your weaknesses create meaningful improvements in a shorter time.
Additional Resources for Certification Readiness
- Official guidelines: ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Guidelines (CDC/CMS resources)
- APC/Payer literacy: Medical billing payer policies and carrier-specific guidelines
- Certification bodies: AAPC, AHIMA, and other credentialing organizations
- Practice tests and study guides: Reputable online courses, Flashcards, and ICD/CPT cheat sheets
Pro tip: Always cross-check CPT and ICD-10-CM codes with the latest editions or official payer guidance, since coding rules can evolve.
Conclusion: Your Path to Certification Mastery
A free medical billing and coding sample test is a powerful, low-cost way to sharpen essential skills, build test-taking confidence, and identify areas for focused study. By reviewing ICD-10-CM diagnoses,CPT procedure and E/M coding patterns,HCPCS considerations,and payer guidelines,you’ll be well-prepared for certification exams and real-world coding accuracy.
Remember to practice consistently, use the explanations to close knowledge gaps, and apply what you learn to your documentation and claims workflow. With a structured approach, you’ll ace your certification and unlock rewarding opportunities in the fast-growing field of medical billing and coding.
ready to take the next step? Start with this free sample test, review the answer explanations, and map your learnings to a personalized study plan. Your certification success story starts here.
For ongoing support, consider joining a study group or enrolling in a reputable certification prep program. When you combine consistent practice, reliable resources, and a motivated mindset, you’ll turn your knowledge into a competitive advantage.
If you found this article helpful, share it with peers and bookmark it for easy reference during your certification journey.
Meta note: This article emphasizes practical, evidence-based coding concepts and is designed to be a useful resource for aspiring medical billers and coders seeking to strengthen their skills with a free sample test.
https://medicalcodingandbillingclasses.net/ace-your-certification-free-medical-billing-and-coding-sample-test-to-boost-your-skills/
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