Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

On the Encounter Form, which of the following establishes the reason for the visit?

1. ICD code

2. CPT code

3. HCPCS code

4. Patient history

The correct answer is: CPT code

The CPT code, or Current Procedural Terminology code, is the correct choice because it specifically denotes the procedures and services provided during a patient’s visit. This coding system is commonly used in the healthcare industry for billing purposes and for indicating the specific reason a patient has come into the office—whether for a consultation, exam, or a specific treatment. While the ICD code pertains to the classification of diseases and conditions a patient may have, and the HCPCS code relates to healthcare procedures, equipment, and services not covered by CPT, neither of these directly establishes the reason for the visit in the context of the services rendered. Patient history, while important for understanding the background and context of a visit, does not serve as a formal code to identify the specific reason for that visit on the Encounter Form. Thus, the CPT code is essential for clearly reflecting the nature of the services provided during the encounter.