Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

What code is assigned for a new patient presenting to the emergency department with an ankle sprain?

1. 99282

2. 99305

3. 69436-50

4. 69603

The correct answer is: 99282

For a new patient presenting to the emergency department with an ankle sprain, the appropriate code to assign is based on the evaluation and management (E/M) services provided. In this case, the code 99282 indicates a level of emergency department visit for an examination of a new or established patient that requires a problem-focused history and examination. This level is typically used when the presenting problem has a low to moderate severity, which is appropriate given the scenario of an ankle sprain. The other codes do not apply in this context. For instance, 99305 is used for an initial care service for a new patient in a nursing facility, which does not relate to an emergency department visit. The codes 69436-50 and 69603 pertain to specific surgical procedures—middle ear procedures and skin grafts, respectively—neither of which would be relevant for the evaluation of an ankle sprain. Thus, the selection of 99282 correctly reflects the service provided in an emergency setting for a new patient with the described condition.