Free Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) Exam Questions and Answers
Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) is part of AAPC coding credentials. AAPC credentials certify coding accuracy against the current CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code sets, and the exams are open book — three current-year manuals, one of each.
The first 10 questions on this page are free to read, answers included — no account and no card. A plan opens the rest of the bank, the full timed practice test and your weak-topic reporting.
Last updated: September 8, 2026
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- 130 mins · 70%
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Question #1
A 55-year-old male undergoes an open cholecystectomy due to gallstones. What is the correct CPT code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
The correct code for an open cholecystectomy is 47560.
Was this answer correct?Question #2
A patient with a history of hypertension is admitted for a surgical repair of a hernia. What is the primary diagnosis?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
K40.90 is used for an inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, which is the appropriate diagnosis for hernia repair.
Was this answer correct?Question #3
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon encounters extensive adhesions. What should be coded?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
44960 is used for an appendectomy that encounters complications such as adhesions necessitating a conversion to an open procedure.
Was this answer correct?Question #4
A patient presents with a malignant lesion of the colon and undergoes a partial colectomy. What is the correct ICD-10 code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
C18.2 is the appropriate code for a malignant lesion of the ascending colon.
Was this answer correct?Question #5
A 40-year-old female has a breast lumpectomy for a malignant tumor. What is the correct CPT code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
19301 is the code for excisional biopsy, where a lumpectomy for malignancy is performed.
Was this answer correct?Question #6
A patient has a diagnostic colonoscopy that shows numerous polyps. What is the appropriate code for the procedure?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
45378 is the correct code for a diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy.
Was this answer correct?Question #7
An obese patient has gastric bypass surgery. What is the correct CPT code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
43644 is the CPT code for gastric bypass surgery.
Was this answer correct?Question #8
A surgeon performs an excisional biopsy on a 2.5 cm lesion. What is the appropriate coding?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
11401 is used for excising skin lesions with a diameter from 2.1 to 3.0 cm.
Was this answer correct?Question #9
In a laparoscopic procedure, if the surgeon converts to an open procedure, what should be documented for coding?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
Both codes should be documented to accurately represent the procedures performed.
Was this answer correct?Question #10
A patient undergoes suture of a laceration on the foot. What would be the most appropriate diagnosis code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: D
S91.302 describes a laceration of the left foot that is not complicated.
Was this answer correct?
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Other AAPC certifications
- Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC) (opens in a new tab)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) (opens in a new tab)
- Certified Compliance Professional (CCP) (opens in a new tab)
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- Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC) (opens in a new tab)
- Certified Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) (opens in a new tab)
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.aapc.com/certifications
- Q1: What is the Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) exam?
- A: Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) is a AAPC certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on patient, code, diagnosis, icd-10 and surgery.
- Q2: What topics does the Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) exam cover?
- A: Questions in our Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) bank cluster around patient, code, diagnosis, icd-10, surgery, surgeon, laparoscopic and procedure. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q3: How should I prepare for Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC)?
- A: Work through the Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q4: Are these real Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC). Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q5: Where do I register for the Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) exam?
- A: Register through AAPC directly at https://www.aapc.com/certifications. Exampractice is not affiliated with AAPC and does not administer the exam.
- Q6: Is there a free Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) sample?
- A: Yes. Every Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC) page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q7: What are AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) Certification Exams validate your expertise in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management within the healthcare industry.
- Q8: Why should I pursue AAPC Certification?
- A: AAPC Certification enhances your professional credibility, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in medical coding and healthcare administration. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement.
- Q9: What are the benefits of AAPC Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition of your expertise, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest industry standards and practices.
- Q10: Who should take AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Medical coders, billers, auditors, compliance officers, and healthcare administrators should consider these certifications to validate their skills and advance their careers in the healthcare industry.
- Q11: What types of AAPC Certification Exams are available?
- A: AAPC offers various certification paths, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), and many specialty certifications tailored to specific healthcare roles and expertise levels.
- Q12: How do I prepare for AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official AAPC training courses, study guides, practice exams, and hands-on experience in medical coding and healthcare management.
- Q13: Where can I take AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: AAPC Certification Exams can be taken at authorized testing centers worldwide or online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q14: How do AAPC Certifications impact my career?
- A: AAPC Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in the healthcare industry.
- Q15: Are there any prerequisites for AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior certifications. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the AAPC website.
- Q16: How often do I need to recertify for AAPC Certifications?
- A: AAPC Certifications typically require continuing education units (CEUs) and recertification every two years to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry standards and practices.