Building Blocks
This organization was founded in 1988.
What was AAPC?
It’s the prefix that basically means something is doing way too much.
What is "hyper"?
It’s the part of the codebook that keeps you from getting tricked by the Index — the final stop before assigning a code.
What is the Tabular List?
I’m the E/M code that shows up when the nurse handles the visit and the provider doesn’t need to step in.
What is 99211?
They’re the six “chapters” every coder knows by heart — from E/M all the way to Medicine.
What are E/M, Anesthesia, Surgery, Radiology, Pathology/Laboratory, and Medicine?
This is compromised of 19 certified AAPC members who work with AAPC staff and local chapter officers.
What is the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB)?
It’s the only organ you can see without an X‑ray — and it’s the biggest one you’ve got.
What is the skin?
It’s the three‑letter acronym that tells CMS just how “complex” a patient really is.
What is Hierarchical Condition Category?
You can pick your E/M level by how complex the thinking was, or by how long it took.
What is MDM or total time?
It’s when a coder “levels up” a service — but not in a good way — by choosing a code that’s too high.
What is upcoding?
This isn’t a secret spy rulebook, but it does tell you how to behave responsibly and professionally.
What is the AAPC Code of Ethics?
Although babies start with around 270 of them, adults end up with only about 206.
What are bones?
One diagnosis is the “star of the show,” and the other lists the “supporting cast” of conditions that still matter for care.
What are the primary and secondary diagnoses?
It’s the CPT section so big it practically needs its own ZIP code.
What is the surgery section?
When the “why” doesn’t match the “what,” the payer says “nope,” and your claim goes nowhere.
What are mismatched diagnosis and procedure codes?
It’s not a superhero charter, but it does make sure every member gets fair treatment, privacy, and clear information.
What is the AAPC Member Bill of Rights?
This isn’t actually a bone — it’s the nerve that makes you say “ow!” and laugh awkwardly when you whack your elbow.
What is the ulnar nerve?
When a diagnosis comes in both “right now” and “long‑term” versions, this one gets coded first.
What is the acute condition?
This is what you call someone who hasn’t visited your office in 3 years — basically a stranger with a chart.
What is a new patient?
It’s when a coder takes a “combo meal” service and bills each item à la carte — even though one code covers it all.
What is unbundling?
It’s the only magazine where reading the articles and taking a quiz doesn’t just make you smarter — it earns you CEUs.
What is AAPC the Magazine?
It may ring a bell that this is the medical term for ringing in the ears, though it can be other noises like buzzing of hissing.
What is tinnitus?
You can code a “maybe,” but not a “we’re checking to see if it’s this.” That type of diagnosis is off‑limits.
What is a "Rule Out" condition?
It’s the part of healthcare that proves you actually did what you said you did — otherwise, it “never happened.”
What is proper documentation?
True of False: A modifier should be appended to a CPT code to "help it pay."
What is false?