Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: I am going to sit for the exam this year. Under references it has: Optional References: One reference of your choice. Does that mean an additional book or just a worksheet/paper reference?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: First of all, congratulations on wanting to take the exam! As to what optional references the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is referring to, you should review the Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC) page (https://www.aapc.com/certification/specialty/chonc/#tab-2).  It lists the items that are allowed, those highly recommended and those that are notedly unapproved to be used as a reference during the exam.  From personal experience, the Items that have been allow mostly include medical dictionaries or abbreviations reference guides or texts. 

If you have a specific reference you’d like to bring with you to refer to, you should call 800-626-CODE or open a chat online with the AAPC office (https://www.aapc.com/contactus.aspx) as they are always quite responsive and helpful.  Be sure first of course it’s not an item listed as “Not Approved” below. 

Below, as you may already know, is the text from the above link most relevant to your question.

Approved Manuals for Use During Examination

Required References:

CPT^® Books (AMA standard or professional edition ONLY). No other publisher is allowed.

Your choice of ICD-10-CM.
Your choice of HCPCS Level II.

Highly Recommended References:

E/M Audit Worksheet of your choice
Both CMS DGs (1995 & 1997)

Optional References:

One reference of your choice

Note: Electronic devices with an on/off switch (cell phones, smart phones, tablets, etc.) are not allowed into the examination room. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disqualification of your exam.

An officially published errata for these manuals may also be used. No other manuals are allowed. Each code set is updated annually; it is essential that examinees use the current calendar year’s coding manuals when taking the certification exam.

Non-Approved Manuals for Use During Examination:

Due to the advantages of additional information and/or ease of use, the following references cannot be used during the exam:

Any Procedural Coding Expert
Any Procedural Professional
CPT^® Plus! – PMIC
CPT^® Insider’s View – AMA
ICD-10-CM Easy Coder
Study Guides

https://www.aapc.com/codes/coding-newsletters/my-practice-management-alert/reader-question-note-these-levels-of-appeals-163211-article