NHA CBCS Certification Sample Questions

The NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist Certification Sample Question Set on this page is designed to familiarize you with the actual NHA CBCS exam format and question types. These sample questions help you understand how questions are structured and what to expect on test day. While they provide a useful starting point, they represent only a limited preview of the real exam experience.

These sample questions are intended for evaluation and familiarization only. To understand exam style, pacing, and reasoning patterns more clearly, we recommend trying our online sample practice environment. If you are preparing for the NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) and want to assess your readiness more rigorously, structured, timed, scenario-based practice is recommended. This approach aligns with the cognitive demands and professional expectations typically associated with medical billing specialist, medical coding specialist, revenue cycle support roles working in settings such as hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies and related settings.

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The demo introduces core concepts, while full-length premium simulations provide deeper, scenario-based coverage that more closely reflects the actual cognitive demands of the NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist exam, particularly in areas such as coding application, claims processing, reimbursement compliance. You can use these sample questions as a starting point, then progress to the NHA CBCS Certification Practice Exam for stronger readiness. Our premium simulations are designed to mirror real exam conditions, helping you refine reasoning, pacing, and decision-making before your official exam attempt.

NHA CBCS Sample Questions:

01. A billing specialist is reviewing technical safeguards under the HIPAA Security Rule. Which of the following is a "technical safeguard" used to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI)?
a) Implementing a policy for the proper disposal of paper records.
b) Utilizing encryption and decryption mechanisms for data transmission.
c) Conducting background checks on all new billing department employees.
d) Installing locks on the door to the server room.

02. A patient belongs to a health plan that requires them to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP). The PCP must then provide a formal request for the patient to see a specialist. This insurance requirement is known as:
a) Referral
b) Pre-certification
c) Coordination of benefits
d) Predetermination

03. A physician performs a "thoracentesis" on a patient. Based on the medical terminology, what action was performed?
a) Incision into the heart.
b) Visual examination of the throat.
c) Surgical removal of the thyroid.
d) Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the chest cavity.

04. An anesthesia coder is assigning a physical status modifier to a patient undergoing surgery. The patient has well-controlled Type 2 diabetes and mild hypertension. Which modifier is most appropriate?
a) P2
b) P4
c) P1
d) P3

05. How does the claim scrubbing process at a clearinghouse benefit a medical practice?
a) It guarantees that every claim submitted will be paid in full.
b) It identifies errors (e.g., missing data, invalid codes) before the claim reaches the payer, reducing the likelihood of a denial.
c) It allows the practice to bill higher rates to insurance companies.
d) It automatically appeals all denied claims for the provider.

06. To accurately code for a "debridement" procedure, a specialist must abstract from the operative report the deepest layer of tissue removed. If the surgeon documented debridement down to the "fascia," which layer of the body was reached?
a) The epidermis
b) The dermis
c) The fibrous connective tissue surrounding muscles
d) The bone marrow

07. Which government publication is released annually and identifies specific areas of healthcare billing that will be targeted for audits due to high rates of fraud or abuse?
a) The CPT Professional Edition.
b) The Federal Register.
c) The CMS-1500 Instruction Manual.
d) The OIG (Office of Inspector General) Work Plan.

08. A medical office is preparing to send an unencrypted email to a consulting physician. Which of the following data elements MUST be removed to ensure the email does not contain Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA guidelines?
a) The general state in which the patient resides
b) The patient's age (if under 89)
c) The patient's email address
d) The year the patient was diagnosed with the condition

09. In which coding system would a specialist find codes for "inpatient" hospital procedures, such as a heart bypass performed in an acute care facility?
a) CPT
b) HCPCS Level II
c) ICD-10-CM
d) ICD-10-PCS

10. Why should a billing specialist verify a patient's insurance eligibility at every visit, even if the patient was seen the previous week?
a) Because HIPAA requires a new eligibility check every 24 hours.
b) To confirm that the coverage has not been terminated or changed since the last visit.
c) To ensure the patient's address hasn't changed.
d) To see if the provider’s office has received a bonus from the insurer.

Answers:

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Note: These sample questions are not official exam questions and are intended only for familiarization and study purposes. If you find any typos or data entry errors in these NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) sample questions, please let us know by emailing us at feedback@medicoexam.com