CPT Codes — Quick Reference Cheatsheet
Essential Formulas & Rules
Core Topics
E/M Coding (99202-99215):
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to e/m coding (99202-99215)
MDM Framework:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to mdm framework
Time-Based Coding:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to time-based coding
Global Surgical Package:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to global surgical package
CPT Modifiers (-22, -25, -51, -59):
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to cpt modifiers (-22, -25, -51, -59)
Anesthesia Coding:
Key formula/rule: See fundamentals section for complete derivation
When to apply: When the problem mentions keywords related to anesthesia coding
Problem-Solving Templates
Template 1: Identify → Apply → Verify
Template 2: For MCQs
Most Common Question Types
| Type | What to Do | Time Budget |
|---|
|---|---|---|
| Direct formula | Apply formula directly | 30-60 sec |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-step | Break into steps, apply each | 1-2 min |
| Concept-based | Recall definition + example | 45 sec |
| Data interpretation | Extract data, compute | 2-3 min |
Revision Strategy
1 month before exam:
1 week before:
1 day before:
Labs Section
The Labs section for CPT Codes has: