Recommended Textbooks, Manuals & FAQ

If you’re testing with the AAPC, you are required to use the AMA CPT® version during testing. They do not allow any other vendors for testing (e.g. Optum360 CPT® Expert Edition).
Regarding ICD and HCPCS, the AAPC allows any vendor manual during testing.

Important Amazon and Optum360 Update: Effective June 1st, 2021, the AMA made Optum360 their official online book vendor for the CPT® manual. To ensure you receive a legitimate copy, we recommend using our links to purchase the CPT® manual from Optum360. Amazon has reported counterfeiting problems on their website so we no longer link to them. Remember, the AMA version of the CPT® manual is the only one allowed for AAPC exams.

The AAPC only allows the AMA CPT® manuals into their exams. So if you’re planning on sitting for an AAPC exam, the Expert Edition (which is created by Optum360) will not be allowed. If you do not plan on sitting for an AAPC exam, then it simply becomes a personal preference.

If you’re sitting and testing after Jan 1st, 2025, you’ll need 2025 manuals since the exam starts using 2025 content on Jan 1st. Here is the policy direct from the AAPC website:
“Since the code sets for each coding book are updated every year, it’s essential for coders to have the current year’s books/manuals to ensure accurate performance. Reporting wrong codes can lead to denied claim submissions and substantial penalization. It’s clearly very important to get an education on the annual code set updates and to obtain new code books every year.
All AAPC exams are based on the current calendar year’s code sets, so we strongly suggest you use the current year’s books. The previous calendar year’s books may be used on an exam, but you would be at obvious disadvantage doing so. The upcoming year’s books are not allowed for exam use (you cannot use 2025 books during 2024). The exams are updated every January for the new code sets. Examinees using their second attempt in the next calendar year will not be permitted to take the previous year’s exam.“

It doesn’t really matter. We will still be using the same vendor and book title next year so that will not change. Plus, the core content for all our courses barely change from one year to the next. If there are substantial changes, we will address them as Addendums or re-record chapter lessons if necessary in accordance with our Yearly Update Policy.

No. If you’re learning with the current year’s version, you can simply complete your studies with that same version. When next year’s book comes out, you are not required to purchase the new version. Remember, the content is not changing much each year and if there are changes, we’ll add the necessary Addendum to help you stay updated.
Bottom line: Don’t stress the new textbook versions for courses. We feel it’s much more important to get started with studies than worrying about yearly textbook changes.

ICD changes yearly on Oct 1st and new ICD-10 manuals are available 1-2 months ahead of that date.
CPT & HCPCS don’t change until Jan 1st, so you will start seeing those being advertised around mid-October and November each year.

It varies by credential and whether you are testing in-person or online. You can see all the allowed materials, books and manuals at this AAPC Link for in-person exams and this link for online exams.

As instructors, we receive copies of the Buck and Optum360 manuals. We can confirm that yes, both the Optum360 and the Bucks ICD-10-CM Manuals both include the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines inside as they were released on Oct 1st of the prior year. Optum360 lists the changes in italics. Bucks has them shown in bold. We cannot provide any feedback on other publishers so please perform your due diligence.

Physician vs Hospital Edition: You do not need both, but you will need to pick one. The Hospital Edition is more expensive, but it contains more images and also identifies CCs & MCCs that are critical for the CCS exam and actual inpatient work in a Hospital. So if you’re planning to pursue a career at a hospital, then the Hospital Edition is recommended. If you’re only want to add a credential and plan to work at a Physician’s office, then the Physician Edition is recommended. Both manuals are allowed in AAPC exams. The only determining factor for purchase is what career you plan to pursue once you’ve attained the credential.

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