Get ACDIS CCDS-O Exam Practice Questions - Real and Updated

Answer : B

Under CMS-HCC methodology, risk adjustment is driven by ICD-10-CM diagnoses that map to HCC categories and are supported as active conditions addressed at the encounter. CKD stage 3 is a classic HCC-qualifying chronic condition because it represents ongoing kidney disease severity and expected resource use, and in this note it is actively assessed with labs reviewed and a nephrology referral. A chronic non-pressure foot ulcer is also typically HCC-qualifying when documented as ongoing and requiring management, which is supported here by home care/wound assessment planning. In contrast, ''depression'' (without specification such as major depressive disorder severity/status) commonly does not qualify for HCC in the way major depressive/bipolar categories do, making it less reliable as a risk-adjusting diagnosis. Likewise, ''renal failure'' is nonspecific and potentially conflicting with CKD stage 3; CDI best practice would be to clarify acuity/severity (acute kidney injury vs CKD stage vs ESRD) rather than assume ''renal failure'' as an HCC driver. Therefore, the validated HCC-qualifying pair is CKD 3 and chronic non-pressure ulcer.

Answer : B

In outpatient CDI and ICD-10-CM coding guidance emphasized in ACDIS education, ''NEC'' (Not Elsewhere Classified) aligns with the ''other specified'' options in the code set and is used when the provider's documentation is clinically specific, but the classification system does not offer a unique code for that exact specificity. In other words, the record contains enough detail to describe a distinct type, cause, manifestation, or clinical variation of a condition, yet there is no more precise code available, so the ''other specified'' category appropriately captures that documented specificity. This is the opposite of ''unspecified'' (often associated with ''NOS''), which is selected when the documentation is not detailed enough to choose a more specific code option. From a chart review perspective, NEC/other specified supports accurate reporting because it reflects that the clinician did document additional detail, and the coder is not defaulting to unspecified due to missing documentation---rather, the code set itself limits further granularity.

Answer : D

In outpatient CDI chart review, a key skill is recognizing when medications and treatment plans suggest a specific diabetic complication that is not explicitly documented. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, and in a diabetic patient it is frequently used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms (burning, tingling, numbness, shooting pain). ACDIS outpatient CDI guidance supports querying when there are strong clinical indicators that a more specific, clinically relevant diagnosis may be present and is being treated at the encounter, because diabetes codes require complication specificity when supported (e.g., ''diabetes with neuropathy'' rather than unspecified diabetes). The elevated glucose and A1C confirm ongoing diabetes management but do not, by themselves, indicate CKD, macular degeneration, or ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis would require documentation of acute metabolic decompensation and supporting clinical/lab findings, which are not provided here. Therefore, the most appropriate clarification is whether the patient has diabetic peripheral neuropathy (and whether it is painful neuropathy) being managed with gabapentin, so the provider can document the condition clearly and accurately.

Answer : B

Atrial fibrillation (AF) type is determined largely by episode duration and whether the rhythm self-terminates. In outpatient CDI education, paroxysmal AF is intermittent and typically terminates spontaneously, commonly within 7 days (often within 48 hours). Persistent AF is sustained and lasts more than 7 days, or requires active intervention (e.g., cardioversion) to restore sinus rhythm. This scenario documents AF ''for 10 days,'' which exceeds the 7-day threshold and therefore best fits persistent AF. The management also aligns with a sustained arrhythmia strategy: rate control (atenolol), rhythm control/antiarrhythmic therapy (sotalol), stroke prevention anticoagulation (rivaroxaban), and discussion of catheter ablation, which is often considered for symptomatic or recurrent/persistent AF. ''Chronic'' is a nonspecific descriptor and not the preferred current classification term, and permanent AF implies a decision has been made not to pursue rhythm control (accepting AF long-term), which is not supported here because rhythm-control options are being considered.

Answer : A

In outpatient CDI and coding education, selecting the correct E/M code starts with identifying the encounter category (e.g., office/outpatient vs inpatient/observation vs ED) and whether the patient is new or established, because these define the applicable CPT code range. Next, the level of service is selected within that range based on the documentation supporting the required elements for that code family. For most E/M services, ''site of service'' (place/setting) and ''new vs established'' are foundational code-selection drivers, while ''level'' is determined by the record's support for the applicable leveling methodology (commonly medical decision making and, when allowed/appropriate, time). Time can be a valid leveling method for many office/outpatient E/M visits, but it is not universally the basis for the majority of E/M services across all categories; it is an alternative pathway when documentation supports it. Physician specialty and patient age do not define the majority of E/M code selection. Therefore, the best overall statement is new/established status + site of service + level of service.