EZ Pass Step 3 CCS - The Efficient USMLE Step 3 CCS Review - Second Edition

By: Alireza B. Esfahane, M.D.

The purpose of this book is to help you spend less time memorizing all the details you will need to do well on the CCS (Computer-based Case Simulations) questions in your exam. This exam requires significant time, energy and concentration, and the mnemonics provided in this book will allow you to remember all the steps for managing a patient’s care in an emergency room, inpatient or office setting so that you can answer questions quickly and accurately—saving your precious time and energy by helping you better manage the examination experience.

Efficiency is key to a successful examination experience, so familiarity with the USMLE CD software will be crucial. Know the normal values and their cut-off points for the most widely used lab tests and don’t type everything out in the ordering window. Inputting the first 3 to 5 letters will bring up matching terms for you to select. You can also use abbreviations, like TSH and CXR instead of thyroid stimulating hormones and chest X-ray as another way to save time when answering questions.

There may be a few cases on the exam that you have never encountered, but don’t panic; just follow the steps and manage the patient in the appropriate setting (the office or emergency room)—ordering labs, imaging and meds as you go. If you handle the patients appropriately you will be fine, even if your final diagnosis is not correct or it seems that the patient’s condition deteriorates.

The CSS portion of the exam is more about memorization than being a good doctor. Memorization of the steps you must follow to treat each patient in each case is of primary importance. The methods I have described in this book will help you master these steps so that you can execute them efficiently and, paired with diligent practice using the software provided by the USMLE, will contribute greatly to your success on the CCS questions.