The rule
Index, then Tabular. Code only what the record supports at the stated specificity. This drill never uses AMA-licensed procedure codes.
If laterality, episode, or the procedure itself is missing, query. Do not guess the side or complete a cancelled service.
Never miss
- Never code from the Alphabetic Index alone.
- Excludes1 is mutually exclusive. Excludes2 allows both when documented.
- Outpatient uncertain diagnoses are not coded as confirmed.
- CMS office E/M is medical decision making or time, not history-and-exam bullets.
- A modifier that means distinct service needs a documented distinct service.
- HCPCS Level II is the CMS public set for supplies, drugs, and DME concepts.
Traps
- Coding a cancelled procedure as completed.
- Picking the side that groups better.
- Reporting family history as the active disease.
- Bypassing every NCCI edit with the same modifier.
Shortcuts
- Highest documented character, then stop.
- Integral signs sit inside the confirmed diagnosis.
- Queries are non-leading.
Memory hooks
- INDEX-THEN-TABULAR. Find it, then verify it The official ICD-10-CM motion.
- -ectomy / -ostomy / -itis / -scopy. Removal / opening / inflammation / looking High-yield suffixes.
This product's coding roadmap is fundamentals, not official CPC prep, and is not affiliated with AAPC.
- Day 1Terminology and anatomyRead the Terminology and anatomy terms, then the never-miss lines that touch this domain.
- Day 2ICD-10-CM guidelinesRead the ICD-10-CM guidelines terms, then the never-miss lines that touch this domain.
- Day 3HCPCS and CMS E/M conceptsRead the HCPCS and CMS E/M concepts terms, then the never-miss lines that touch this domain.
- Day 4Compliance and NCCI logicRead the Compliance and NCCI logic terms, then the never-miss lines that touch this domain.
- Day 5Documentation integrityRead the Documentation integrity terms, then the never-miss lines that touch this domain.
- Day 6Mixed recallRun the term cards, then a short drill. Restate the one-line rule out loud.
- Day 7Full drillSit the 15-question exam and review every miss against this kit.
RemoteNurse is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by AAPC. These are original RemoteNurse practice items written against publicly described exam domains and federal workflow rules. They are not official examination questions. Scores are a practice signal only and do not predict whether you will pass any issuer exam.