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The American Society for Surgery of the Hand offers this annual exam as a convenient self-study exercise. The exam is offered to hand and upper extremity care professionals as a comprehensive review tool of basic principles and can also be used by practicing clinicians to stay abreast of new developments and concepts within the specialty.
The examination covers diagnostic and therapeutic problems, both surgical and non-operative, basic science knowledge, and fundamental principles of hand surgery. The interpretation of the illustrative material (clinical photographs and radiographs) is an integral part of this examination.
Educational Objectives
- Detect and differentiate injury mechanisms, pathologies, and applied anatomy associated with upper extremity conditions treated by hand surgeons.
- Develop informed, evidence-based clinical decision practice options in the treatment of upper extremity disorders.
- Differentiate and apply the range of conservative and surgical treatment options to deal with upper extremity problems that present to a hand surgeon’s practice.
- Assess basic cognitive reasoning skills and clinical aptitudes required of all hand surgeons in practice to complete maintenance of certification.
The 2012 exam consists of 200 questions, preferred responses, discussion and literature references. Professionals will have the choice of taking the exam in print format or online. In both cases, a minimum passing score of 50% will be required to receive CME credit.
Print:
This is the last year a printed exam and discussion book set will be offered. If you choose this option, you have one opportunity to take and pass the written exam.
Important: Only those who return a completed answer sheet for computer scoring (postmarked no later than June 8, 2012) and meet the minimum passing score will be eligible for CME.
In addition, you will receive the Discussion Book and a printout of your own score – as
compared with all examinees – by July 20. If you passed the exam, you will also receive
a copy of your CME certificate with the Discussion Book.
If you do not return your answer sheet for scoring, you will not be eligible for AMA PRA
Category 1 Credits. You will receive the Discussion Book, but you must compute your
own score and will not receive a comparison of your score with the others who also
took the examination.
Online:
The online exam will open on April 23, 2012. The test will be available online through June 8, 2012. There are several advantages of taking the exam online:
- Individuals can start and stop the exam as needed.
- When you submit your test for scoring, you will know instantly if you passed.
- You can retake the exam up to two more times if you fail on the first try.
- When you pass, your CME will be immediately credited to your account, and you can download a CME certificate immediately through the testing platform. The CME will appear on your official ASSH transcript within 10 business days of successful test completion.
Internet Browser Requirements: The following browsers are supported for the online exam: Internet Explorer 7, 8 and 9, Safari 5.0 and above (preferred), and Firefox Versions 5.0 and above (preferred).
Undecided as to which test is best for you? Check out the Demo Self Assessment on the eLearning Portal. Simply login to the ASSH website, and then click on the
eLearning Portal link found on the right side of the landing page for the Members section. When you get in the portal, search for "demo" on the right sight of the landing page, or on the link in the messages section of the landing page.
Schedule
October 27, 2011: Registration opens
April 2, 2012: Deadline for registration
April 23, 2012: Exam book mailed to print exam registrants; link to online test emailed to online exam registrants
June 8, 2012: Deadline for completion of exam (This is the postmark date for the print option and the last day the exam maybe taken online.)
July 20, 2012: Discussion book mailed (Mailed to print exam takers and only those online test takers who have paid an additional fee for the booklet.)
Exam Fee
The examination fee includes a high quality exam as well as convenient exam dissemination and scoring.
• $155 for ASSH members
• $195 for nonmembers
Online examinees will receive a downloadable PDF of the question and answer booklets. In 2012 only, online examinees may also order a print version of the answer book for an additional $25.
Registration Instructions
Via Internet: Register now! Via Telephone: Call 847-384-8300 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Central Time, M-F. Credit card information must be provided.
All registrants are confirmed via email. If you have not received email confirmation by April 5, 2012, please contact the ASSH Central Office at 847-384-8300 or email
ddecker@assh.org.
Submission Instructions
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand guarantees anonymity of examination results. Remember to record your examination number, as the scoring will be by number and not by name. Please keep a copy of your answer sheet for your record; originals cannot be returned. It is recommended that answer sheets be mailed via overnight or second-day delivery so that the receipt of the score sheets can be verified.
Accreditation
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Hours
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand designates this enduring material for a
maximum of 20.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit
commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Minimum Passing Score
In compliance with AMA policy, a minimum passing score is required for this exam. Only
participants who meet the minimum passing score will receive CME credit for taking the
examination. The minimum passing score for the 2012 exam is 50% correct.
Maintenance of Certification – CME and Self-Assessment
Credits earned by completing this Self-Assessment Examination can be applied to the scored and recorded self-assessment requirements as mandated by the ABOS Maintenance of Certification (MOC™) process and will count toward the CME credit requirement as well. If you are a plastic surgeon, please go to
www.abplsurg.org for more information on self-assessment requirements. If you are a general surgeon, please go to
www.absurgery.org for more information on self-assessment requirements.
Miscellaneous
Don't miss your Discussion Book because of a move!
If you will be at a different location or if you have an address other than your current mailing address with the Hand Society where you would like your booklets mailed, please inform us by emailing the registrar at
ddecker@assh.org.
Refund Policy and Cancellation Fee
All refunds must be requested in writing to the ASSH Central Office by fax 847-384-1435 or email at
meetings@assh.org. A full refund less a $25 administrative fee will be give if the written notification is received by the Central Office on or before April 2, 2012. No refunds will be issued after April 2, 2012.
Study Materials
Disclaimer
The material presented in this continuing medical education program is made available by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand for educational purposes only. This material is not intended to represent the best or only methods or procedures appropriate for the medical situation discussed, but rather is intended to present an approach, view, statement, or opinion of the authors or presenters, which may be helpful, or of interest, to other practitioners. The examinees agree to participate in this medical education program sponsored by ASSH with full knowledge and awareness that they waive any claim they may have against ASSH for reliance on any information presented in this examination. The approval of the US Food and Drug Administration is required for procedures and drugs that are considered experimental. Instrumentation systems discussed and/or demonstrated in or at ASSH educational programs may not yet have received FDA approval.
Questions? Contact Donna Decker at 847-384-8300 or
ddecker@assh.org.