Wiki CPCO Exam Question

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mrsmoore1207 said:
Jennifer

Jennifer could you please send me what you have as well.
I just passed the CPMA- VERY EXCITING
I want to continue on.
I was promoted to lead coder a few months back. All this hard work is paying off

Mrsmoore1207@gmail.com
Click to expand...


I don't have a guide. What I had were old articles from when I took the exam and some indexes (way too large for email). I am currently updating the articles and indexes and adding printable tabs as well as some other tips and will be offering this as part of a CPCO Exam Review. Every attendee will get articles (with an index for ease of use) that you CAN use on the exam along with printable tabs and instructions on how to organize your binders. No other CPCO Exam Review or Boot Camp currently offers this.

You may sign up to be notified of the upcoming review at the link below (registration email should go out today or tomorrow). You will simply get an email when the CPCO Review is available. Please feel free to share the link.

http://eepurl.com/cP7hc1

Hint: You really do not have to memorize everything. This test is more about application and how to use your resources than memorization. I show you how to do that.
 
Hey Jennifer,
I attempted to PM you but it says your inbox is full...lol please let me know if the offer for the included information is still available and I'll try again.

JenniferB7 said:
I took the CPCO exam before there was a study guide and passed with an 86 on my first attempt. So, hopefully what I did will help some of you.

I literally printed about 4,000 (double-sided) pages. All of the information possible from the "additional information" part on AAPC's website: https://www.aapc.com/training/cpco-medical-compliance-resources.aspx. Anything and everything.

I then organized it into six, three-inch binders and tabbed every law / section. For the major laws, I wrote a summary page at the front of that section or found a summary page online and printed that. For example, this page was a quick resource that I still use to this day: https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/provider-compliance-training/files/StarkandAKSChartHandout508.pdf. I still have the indexes for each binder (front of binder) and spine that lists what law was in which binder and the color tab it was assigned. I am happy to share these as well as how I broke down each binder if you want. Just PM me.

I highlighted key parts of each law as I hole punched them and organized them in the binder. You need to be familiar enough with each law to be able to find the information quickly. That is key. If you aren't familiar with the material, having it with you does not help you. It just becomes a mountain of paper. Effective tabbing and key highlighting was crucial for me aside from test taking skill.

You are allowed highlighters when taking the test. I also bring yellow and red flags. I use a yellow flag on a question that I am spending too much time on, but I know I can get the answer if I have a few more minutes. I use a red flag on ones that I haven't a clue on or I know will take me a lot of time/research. If time permits, I go back and work the yellow flagged questions first, then the red ones. If I am going to have to guess at an answer because I am running out of time, I want it to be on questions I probably would have had to guess on anyways.

Hope this helps and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Best of Luck,

Jennifer M. Connell, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CENTC
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Thank you everyone for your many messages over the past several months.

Unfortunately, I am no longer offering the original articles as posted any longer. What I had offered were the original articles I found and indexes I created when I took the exam several years ago (before there was a study guide or course). Despite my warnings that the information was outdated and that anyone who chose to use them would need to update the information, I still received complaints. So, I have discontinued that offering.

Currently, I offer all of the up-to-date articles that you can use on the exam (230+ articles, 6000+ pages, already highlighted) with updated color-coded indexes and new matching printable tabs for all of the articles as part of my CPCO Exam Review. During the review we cover the most commonly missed concepts, practice the harder application questions, I give tips on how to print the articles and best organize them, and show you how to best use the cheat sheets included with the articles. As I tell people, you can spend $700+ on AAPC's CPCO course or $700-$1000+ on a CPCO Boot Camp, but none of them will provide you with the full complement of articles, already highlighted, with indexes and tabs. And I provide it for less than 1/2 the cost. It is invaluable and will save you 100+ hours of time.

I do offer a free, 30 minute "Master the CPCO Exam" where I go over 5 key tips to passing as well as a monthly 5 hour CPCO Exam Review. You can also check out my Facebook Events Page for upcoming webinars and review workshops.

You can also sign up for our newsletter where there are special discounts and coupons every month: Newsletter Sign-Up

Feel free to message me back any questions.
 
CPCO Exam and AAPC Practice Exam

Is the AAPC Practice Exam a true gauge of the type and wording of questions on the CPCO Certification Exam?
Please advise. I am taking the exam on the 19th of August and am stressing.
 
kmdean said:
Is the AAPC Practice Exam a true gauge of the type and wording of questions on the CPCO Certification Exam?
Please advise. I am taking the exam on the 19th of August and am stressing.
Click to expand...

The practice exam questions are similar; however, many students report that the questions are harder. There are a lot of application questions, many of which require you to apply multiple laws or know which laws may be implicated in a given scenario. You need to know the laws as well as the intent behind the OIG's opinion, alerts, and guidance.
 
Getting ready for exam

JenniferB7 said:
I took the CPCO exam before there was a study guide and passed with an 86 on my first attempt. So, hopefully what I did will help some of you.

I literally printed about 4,000 (double-sided) pages. All of the information possible from the "additional information" part on AAPC's website: https://www.aapc.com/training/cpco-medical-compliance-resources.aspx. Anything and everything.

I then organized it into six, three-inch binders and tabbed every law / section. For the major laws, I found a summary page online and printed that. For example, this page was a quick resource that I still use to this day: https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/provider-compliance-training/files/StarkandAKSChartHandout508.pdf.

I highlighted key parts of each law as I hole punched them and organized them in the binder. You need to be familiar enough with each law to be able to find the information quickly. That is key. If you aren't familiar with the material, having it with you does not help you. It just becomes a mountain of paper. Effective tabbing and key highlighting was crucial for me aside from test taking skill.

You are allowed highlighters when taking the test. I also bring yellow and red flags. I use a yellow flag on a question that I am spending too much time on, but I know I can get the answer if I have a few more minutes. I use a red flag on ones that I haven't a clue on or I know will take me a lot of time/research. If time permits, I go back and work the yellow flagged questions first, then the red ones. If I am going to have to guess at an answer because I am running out of time, I want it to be on questions I probably would have had to guess on anyways.

Hope this helps and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Best of Luck,

Jennifer M. Connell, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CENTC
Click to expand...

Hello,
I'm scheduled for the CPCO exam this Saturday and am in the process of organizing my materials to bring with me. I was wondering/hoping that you might share the materials with me that you shared with the other member? I feel like I know the material but I'm so nervous to take this test!!! You sound so organized that I would appreciate any assistance :)
 
CPCO Exam

Jennifer,

I sent you a private message. Will you please confirm if you received it. I'm not use to issing the forum.





JenniferB7;406748]I took the CPCO exam before there was a study guide and passed with an 86 on my first attempt. So, hopefully what I did will help some of you.

I literally printed about 4,000 (double-sided) pages. All of the information possible from the "additional information" part on AAPC's website: https://www.aapc.com/training/cpco-medical-compliance-resources.aspx. Anything and everything.

I then organized it into six, three-inch binders and tabbed every law / section. For the major laws, I found a summary page online and printed that. For example, this page was a quick resource that I still use to this day: https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/provider-compliance-training/files/StarkandAKSChartHandout508.pdf.

I highlighted key parts of each law as I hole punched them and organized them in the binder. You need to be familiar enough with each law to be able to find the information quickly. That is key. If you aren't familiar with the material, having it with you does not help you. It just becomes a mountain of paper. Effective tabbing and key highlighting was crucial for me aside from test taking skill.

You are allowed highlighters when taking the test. I also bring yellow and red flags. I use a yellow flag on a question that I am spending too much time on, but I know I can get the answer if I have a few more minutes. I use a red flag on ones that I haven't a clue on or I know will take me a lot of time/research. If time permits, I go back and work the yellow flagged questions first, then the red ones. If I am going to have to guess at an answer because I am running out of time, I want it to be on questions I probably would have had to guess on anyways.

Hope this helps and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Best of Luck,

Jennifer M. Connell, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CENTC[/QUOTE]
 
I have received several messages from many of you and I apologize for the delay. I had to evacuate due to Hurricane Harvey and I am just now getting to all of my messages. I will respond to each in kind. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. This past week has been very difficult.
 
JenniferB7 said:
I took the CPCO exam before there was a study guide and passed with an 86 on my first attempt. So, hopefully what I did will help some of you.

I literally printed about 4,000 (double-sided) pages. All of the information possible from the "additional information" part on AAPC's website: https://www.aapc.com/training/cpco-medical-compliance-resources.aspx. Anything and everything.

I then organized it into six, three-inch binders and tabbed every law / section. For the major laws, I found a summary page online and printed that. For example, this page was a quick resource that I still use to this day: https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/provider-compliance-training/files/StarkandAKSChartHandout508.pdf.

I highlighted key parts of each law as I hole punched them and organized them in the binder. You need to be familiar enough with each law to be able to find the information quickly. That is key. If you aren't familiar with the material, having it with you does not help you. It just becomes a mountain of paper. Effective tabbing and key highlighting was crucial for me aside from test taking skill.

You are allowed highlighters when taking the test. I also bring yellow and red flags. I use a yellow flag on a question that I am spending too much time on, but I know I can get the answer if I have a few more minutes. I use a red flag on ones that I haven't a clue on or I know will take me a lot of time/research. If time permits, I go back and work the yellow flagged questions first, then the red ones. If I am going to have to guess at an answer because I am running out of time, I want it to be on questions I probably would have had to guess on anyways.

Hope this helps and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Best of Luck,

Jennifer M. Connell, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CENTC
Click to expand...


Hello Jennifer!

Would you mind sharing your jewels as I'm scheduled to retake it Oct 14th. I failed by 8 points and I know it was because I didn't have ALL of the policies printed..

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
 
Test date December 2nd

Hi I am wondering if anyone can tell me how long it took them to take this test? I know you are allowed over 5 hours but did it take you all that long? Also looking for any tips/tricks. What information can you bring with you to the test?
Thank you!!
Kim
 
Compliance exam

I am preparing to take the CPCO test and need some guidance on what to bring with me. Can someone let me know what they printed and how they organized it?
These posts are making me nervous, any guidance is appreciated.

Katie Jayne
843-343-5543
 
Interested in your assistance

JenniferB7 said:
The test questions will be different. AAPC produces several different versions of every test. If you have 5 people taking the CPC exam, each person will have a different exam version with different questions. The same applies for the CPCO exam.

For what it is worth, I am creating a CPCO exam review and will let you know when it is available.
Click to expand...

Jennifer,

I am taking my test in December and would love to know your index/tab strategy that others have requested. Any and all info you could share would be fabulous. Thanks!
Amy Wodarski, CPC, CPB
 
kstigman said:
Hi I am wondering if anyone can tell me how long it took them to take this test? I know you are allowed over 5 hours but did it take you all that long? Also looking for any tips/tricks. What information can you bring with you to the test?
Thank you!!
Kim
Click to expand...

Kim,

The test took me about 5 hours. Most people need the full time for this test. As far as information, you are allowed to bring any published reference except AAPC or HCCA materials/references.

Hope that helps!
 
katiejayne said:
I am preparing to take the CPCO test and need some guidance on what to bring with me. Can someone let me know what they printed and how they organized it?
These posts are making me nervous, any guidance is appreciated.

Katie Jayne
843-343-5543
Click to expand...

Katie,

You are allowed to bring any published reference except AAPC or HCCA materials/references. I offer a short review class that provides highlighted articles (over 230 of them), complete indexes and tabs if you are interested.

Hope that helps!
 
CPCO Exam Material

anndrellebutler said:
I tried to take my exam today and the proctor told me I could not bring my material from the course. Not the study guide. She told me that I could take the test without any material or not take the test and tell AAPC I refused to take the exam. I am so upset. I left the exam without taking it. The proctor was new a proctoring CPCO exam, she stated she did not know what type of material should be brought, but the print out from the course look fishy to her. She said the printed paperwork should not have anything that has AAPC labeled on it. She also told me that I could not have labels. I studied for so long not to take the exam.
Click to expand...


My response is tardy; so I hope at this time you have posted exciting news about passing the CPCO.

Just as an FYI I will share my experience. I have taken three AAPC certification exams prior to the study guides coming out. I mention that because it meant the proctor in all three were not fully aware of allowed/permitted resources. With that being said I have started the process for myself that once I register for an exam (CEMC next month - CPCO later in the year) I reach out to the proctor and introduce myself, clarify the certification exam I am taking and the resource material I will be bringing. It allows for advance notice if either of us has questions or require clarification.

On the flip side; I proctor several times a year and when I receive the roster for each exam I reach out to the participants in the same way. It is truly the proctors responsibility to know what each participant is testing for, the allowed duration (as there are variances) and allowed reference and resource material.

Needless to say, when I am complete with my CPCO resources I will have an introduction conversation with the proctor in advance.

I am sorry for your experience and sincerely hope the story ended with a positive outcome.
 
CPCO Exam

I am preparing to take my CPCO exam. I would like to take in August/September. Can anyone share any tips and trick of how to prepare? I've read some of the threads...we are allowed to bring references?
Thanks!:)
 
Indexes and Spines

Hello Everyone,

I continue to receive several emails each week from those of you interested in the CPCO exam. You are fabulous by the way.

I have posted this in the thread previously, but it seems to be difficult to find. So I am attaching them again. Here are the original index and spine templates I used when I first took the CPCO exam years ago. These are just templates and I hope they help you. When I took the exam (when it first came out).

Note: I printed over 4000 pages, highlighted, indexed, and tabbed them. It took me quite a while to create all of that and with today’s current compliance, the articles are well over 6000+ pages. Essentially every article/website referenced in the CPCO study guide/textbook and online is fair game for the exam. Due to the volume of articles, I can no longer host the documents for free so I had to start charging. ☹

For those of you interested in getting access to all of the current articles (already highlighted) with custom indexes and custom printable tabs, I offer an online CPCO review, which contains all of this information along with 12 CEUs and practice questions. We cover the most difficult/commonly missed concepts, provide over 230 articles (already highlighted and indexed) that can be used on the exam, show you how to put your binders together and tab your articles (printable, matching tabs and color coded indexes are provided), and cover testing techniques. We also have tons of practice questions and a practice exam.

The review includes 12 CEUs, access to over 230 articles, 6000+ pages (already highlighted for you) that you can use on the exam, printable binder indexes and matching tabs to organize your articles, exam techniques, practice questions, and a practice exam. This also includes a 1-on-1 coaching call to go over any specific areas you need help with. I recommend this at the end of the review after you have practiced some.

If you are interested, you can sign up here: CPCO Exam Review

This online review is in revision and interested students can get discounted access ($299 instead of $497) using coupon code CPCOBETA2018. You will receive 6 months of access from the date the revisions are completed, so everything is "bonus access" until then. If you have any questions, please message me.
 

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CPCO Exam

Hi all - I just took the exam on 9/15/18 and passed. I have a few comments to share.

I've worked in healthcare since the early 90's and in healthcare compliance specifically since 2005 and have practical experience in almost all areas that the exam covers. That being said, I think many of the questions were very poorly worded in the exam & stated so in feedback area on my exam document. I also don't think it really measures your practical knowledge and ability to apply the regulations. Questions like those in the practice exams which ask what year a particular law was passed or the dollar range of fines for specific laws don't measure that IMHO.

I also found the guidance about type of references allowed to be very vague and walked in with no references so that I would not be turned away - I wasn't clear on what a "published reference" meant and it seemed silly to print out reams of documents that I would normally reference online. That being said, since others have clarified that you can bring in pretty much anything except AAPC or HCCA materials, I would have printed many of the regulations and references to have them handy.

I'd be happy to answer any questions directly other than specific exam content which I wouldn't share.

Bobbi Tadwalt, MJ, CPCO
 
CPCO exam review

Hi Jennifer,

Is the CPCO exam review still available? The link provided does not work.

Thank you!


JenniferB7 said:
Hello Everyone,

I continue to receive several emails each week from those of you interested in the CPCO exam. You are fabulous by the way.

I have posted this in the thread previously, but it seems to be difficult to find. So I am attaching them again. Here are the original index and spine templates I used when I first took the CPCO exam years ago. These are just templates and I hope they help you. When I took the exam (when it first came out).

Note: I printed over 4000 pages, highlighted, indexed, and tabbed them. It took me quite a while to create all of that and with today’s current compliance, the articles are well over 6000+ pages. Essentially every article/website referenced in the CPCO study guide/textbook and online is fair game for the exam. Due to the volume of articles, I can no longer host the documents for free so I had to start charging. ☹

For those of you interested in getting access to all of the current articles (already highlighted) with custom indexes and custom printable tabs, I offer an online CPCO review, which contains all of this information along with 12 CEUs and practice questions. We cover the most difficult/commonly missed concepts, provide over 230 articles (already highlighted and indexed) that can be used on the exam, show you how to put your binders together and tab your articles (printable, matching tabs and color coded indexes are provided), and cover testing techniques. We also have tons of practice questions and a practice exam.

The review includes 12 CEUs, access to over 230 articles, 6000+ pages (already highlighted for you) that you can use on the exam, printable binder indexes and matching tabs to organize your articles, exam techniques, practice questions, and a practice exam. This also includes a 1-on-1 coaching call to go over any specific areas you need help with. I recommend this at the end of the review after you have practiced some.

If you are interested, you can sign up here: CPCO Exam Review

This online review is in revision and interested students can get discounted access ($299 instead of $497) using coupon code CPCOBETA2018. You will receive 6 months of access from the date the revisions are completed, so everything is "bonus access" until then. If you have any questions, please message me.
Click to expand...
 
CPCO Exam

I took the CPCO exam on 10/6/18. I was very nervous but felt well prepared for the test. My binder was full to the max with all course recommended materials. I structured my binder based on the CPCO on-line course. I passed!!

Angela Hinton, CCS-P, CPPM, CPCO
 
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Are hand written materials allowed?

Does anyone know if it is allowable to brings notes written on loose leaf binder paper for the CPCO exam?
 
I would love some advice on how to label and what to tab for the CPCO as well. I also found it to be a difficult test and most information not in the study materials provided.
I failed my first time, but it is something I would really LOVE to pursue and PASS. :) Thank you for any help.
 
CPCO Exam

Hey Everyone,

i just finished the course. I am planning to take it in April. Any insight or notes would be great. Thanks
 
CPCO prep class

Did I see some type of CPCO training offered by you in July? Was it a CPCO prep class? Please provide details, a link with dates, and costs.
 
Question

moodyk13 said:
Did you take any references into the exam with you? Use the links provided for additional references and print those out. Organize into a binder and make additional notes in the margins.

I ear marked content using sticky notes. Made it easier to find during exam.

It is a hard exam and does contain items not in the 2017 program. Also there were errors in the program itself as well as the chapter tests. I brought Them to their attention, but I don't know if. Corrections were made.

I finished the course with 94. It took me 4.5hrs to take the exam and I barely passed. Yes, it's very indepth and intense.
Click to expand...

>>>>>>moodyk13, do you still have your material? I would love help getting all the help to pass as well. Even an old study material. Thanks
anitabanita89 at gmail.com
 
Jennifer, I am reaching out desperately for your help and advice. I've printed all 7000+ pages of reference materials, I put them in binders (threw my back out carrying them around) and I've failed the CPCO certification exam 3 times! (4 points, 2 points, and 4 points again). I sit the end of June for my 4th attempt and I'm getting so frustrated because I aced the quizzes and did very well on the exams in the course as well as the practice exams. Please send me your tabbing tricks and any other helpful info. Many thanks for your help!
 
tfiller1 said:
Jennifer, I am reaching out desperately for your help and advice. I've printed all 7000+ pages of reference materials, I put them in binders (threw my back out carrying them around) and I've failed the CPCO certification exam 3 times! (4 points, 2 points, and 4 points again). I sit the end of June for my 4th attempt and I'm getting so frustrated because I aced the quizzes and did very well on the exams in the course as well as the practice exams. Please send me your tabbing tricks and any other helpful info. Many thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
I sent you a PM. :)
 
I just finished the CPCO course through AAPC and was going to schedule my test. My hesitancy is that they stated the only materials that i can bring is the OIG guides for hospitals, individual and small practices. Is that correct?!? will i ever pass if that is all i am able to bring?
 
hauthhouse said:
I just finished the CPCO course through AAPC and was going to schedule my test. My hesitancy is that they stated the only materials that i can bring is the OIG guides for hospitals, individual and small practices. Is that correct?!? will i ever pass if that is all i am able to bring?
Click to expand...

Hello,
I just scheduled my exam and when you go into the details of the exam, there is a section on approved materials. For the CPCO, it states:
  1. AAPC strongly recommends you bring 2019 coding books to the exam, you may review approved exam manuals and exam instructions. Office super bills, charge tickets, scrap paper, AAPC 's study guides, CPT® Assistant or other CPT® books may NOT be used as reference material during the exam. Tabs can be inserted, taped, pasted, glued, or stapled in the manuals, if the obvious intent is to earmark a page with words or numbers and not add supplemental information. No other material of any kind may be taped, stapled, or glued into the manuals to be used during the examination.
  2. Handwritten notes in coding books (as those commonly seen in daily work coding activities) are permitted and manuals will not be disqualified due to writing contained therein.
  3. You must bring a Photo ID to the examination.
  4. If you arrive late to the exam, the proctor has the right to deny you entrance in to the examination. All proctors donate their time to administer exams and assist members in obtaining certification with AAPC, please be courteous and respectful to each proctor.
Certified Professional Compliance Officer CPCO™ 150 Questions
Allowed References: Any published references are allowed, except Study Guides and published references by HCCA
 
ccgarrett said:
Hello,
I just scheduled my exam and when you go into the details of the exam, there is a section on approved materials. For the CPCO, it states:
  1. AAPC strongly recommends you bring 2019 coding books to the exam, you may review approved exam manuals and exam instructions. Office super bills, charge tickets, scrap paper, AAPC 's study guides, CPT® Assistant or other CPT® books may NOT be used as reference material during the exam. Tabs can be inserted, taped, pasted, glued, or stapled in the manuals, if the obvious intent is to earmark a page with words or numbers and not add supplemental information. No other material of any kind may be taped, stapled, or glued into the manuals to be used during the examination.
  2. Handwritten notes in coding books (as those commonly seen in daily work coding activities) are permitted and manuals will not be disqualified due to writing contained therein.
  3. You must bring a Photo ID to the examination.
  4. If you arrive late to the exam, the proctor has the right to deny you entrance in to the examination. All proctors donate their time to administer exams and assist members in obtaining certification with AAPC, please be courteous and respectful to each proctor.
Certified Professional Compliance Officer CPCO™ 150 Questions
Allowed References: Any published references are allowed, except Study Guides and published references by HCCA
Click to expand...

This is incorrect. Please go to AAPC's Exam FAQ on the website. Click on the question "What items will I need to bring to the exam?".

What items will I need to bring to the exam?
Click to expand...
For a complete list of approved and recommended resources, please refer to the "Approved Resources" document.
Due to the diverse languages spoken in certain countries, AAPC may determine additional policies relating to approved resources. In such instances, we will communicate with examinees through exam confirmation emails prior to each event to ensure that everyone is aware of the local stipulations.
The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines are allowed in all exams that list the ICD-10-CM as an approved resource. Highlighting, underlining and brief notations needed for day-to-day coding is permitted on the printed side of the pages. Long passages of information are not permitted on the blank pages of the print out.
Manual calculators and highlighters are also allowed for all exams.
Click to expand...

In the answer is a link to the current Approved Resources. The allowed references for the 2019 CPCO exam have changed.
 

Attachments

  • Exam Proctor Instructions 2019.pdf
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Hi everyone, I just took my AAPC- CPC exam this past Sunday12/12/21. Now I want to move forward and study for CPCO. Please advise and provide guidance in terms of books, lessons and tutors/teachers. I would greatly appreciated. Any suggestions, feedback and comments are welcome. I want to know where can/should I start. Thank you again from the bottom of my hear.
 
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