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I remember thinking I'd be using encoder type computer software on the job more than I am (which isn't at all!).  Thank goodness I learned how to properly and effectively use my books!

Nicki, I'm a newbie student who has been thinking much the same!  I'm actually surprised to hear that the actual job is so codebook dependent. 

Could you describe a bit how you have your work station set up?  I'm using 2 wooden TV trays now that I move back and forth between my computer desk and my study area in the kitchen, depending on if I'm doing mainly studying or entering answers into exams on the website here.  As it is now, it would be a neck-breaker for me to use codebook/s regularly on either side of my keyboard platform.  I know there are bookstands and such (which wouldn't work all that well with my current desk set-up).  Just wondering how this all might work out, physically speaking, when I'm actually on the job. 

You mentioned book stand; I'm not sure how that would work with the huge ICD book.  When I first began this class I put my books on a tilt-table. size of large TV stand.  That absolutely didn't work.  ICD book too heavy and kept sliding and altogether too crowded for everything else anyway.  Bought a sturdy card table and it is still too small.  Constantly having to move books around.  I will say this, though, I have developed wrist and forearm strength and probably shoulder strength just from lifting that ICD book many, many times a day.  

Like you, I have a special study corner away from the office.  And also like you, I'm wondering how I will set up in my office.  The desk is too small and I don't want to buy another.  I'm thinking about laying a piece of  varnished or painted or laminated plywood on top cut to the size of the small white fold-up banquet tables seen at WalMart.  I thought about making it curved so I could place books on either side of the computer screen, with the screen on the concave area and the existing keyboard tray remaining.  I also have to take into consideration the job might require two screens, so that will take extra space.

You have laid out a very practical question.  I look forward to other responses.  As you can see, I have been thinking about it, but would really like to know how others set up before I go to the expense of making the change in my little office.

Donna G

I bought a sit/stand Varidesk to sit on top of my computer desk.  Then I have my long desk perpendicular to it to form an L shape.  I keep my books spread on the long desk and work at the computer.

P.S.  The amount you use your books will depend on who you work for and what type of coding you do.  I just happen to need them a lot for both jobs I am currently working.

I REALLY LIKE THAT BOOK STAND.  What a space saver!   My son wanted to make one for me, flat, to hold at least 4 books, lazy-Suzan style, but it would have been so huge.  Maybe he can make one standing up like this man did.  On the other hand, that price is not too bad when you consider the wood and rollers, etc., and labor.  Thanks a lot.  

Thanks again, Nicki.  Always best to err on the side of caution, for sure, and to plan on it being most likely that books will continue to be an integral part of most coding jobs for some time.  Doing a search this morning over at Jobs for American Coders for "desks" and "bookstands," I ran across a ton of work station set-ups that make it seem fairly obvious that the vast majority of coders are still mainly using codebooks on the job (though there were a few mentions of 3M Encoder software, e.g., scattered here and there).  And like you said, thank goodness Andrews prepares us so well on how to *properly* use our books!

Donna, this is the other stand I was thinking about that's similarly priced, which actually holds 2 books, not 1.

http://www.ezreaderllc.com

And someone on the group also posted this one, which is a similar set-up to Todd's, but in quite a different price range.

http://m.monticelloshop.org/ystore/monticellostore/110000.html

I'd say that wooden structure is quite fancy for a fancy price and, now this is just me thinking, the bottom is small and I wonder if it would tip over with the heavy ICD-10 on it.  Well, not my problem anyway, I would never pay that much.  

The metal ones are fairly priced even though they hold only two books, but I wonder if those screws would tear the pages.

When I was taking the CPC test we each had a "banquet" table to ourselves.  Lots of room to spread out the books.  But what I found so simple there, as opposed to my small study card table where I have to constantly lift each book out of the way of the other, on the testing table in looking up the information I would simply slide one book aside and slide the next one into place.  

Just a thought, I am always using my finger or a small guide to keep my place, help keep my eyes focused and am thinking that a flat surface would be easier for that.  

Plus that huge ICD-10 with the huge spiral, I am constantly having to lift a hunk of pages over and press them down, lift the next hunk, press, in order to keep from tearing the pages and that is quite challenging when you need a T code or Z code.  Not sure how that would work on that nice 4-book  stand, but I really like it.  And his price was really very fair.  

Donna

I ordered one of the EZReaders and in the process of assembling it right now (I got the portable model.)  Only takes 8 screws.  Donna, I will let you know if I have any trouble with those screws after I begin using it!  I have a very small work area, so anything that can help I will try. I think the books will be easier for me to read when they are more upright, also.  My huge ICD-10-CM is the bound version, but my CPT is spiral bound.

Thanks.  I think we would all like to hear about it.  And I'd like to hear about it after you have used it for a while.  

Thanks for that update.  This looks like a really good idea.  I see by the photo that it will not accommodate the ICD-10-CM book because you can see it placed in front of the computer, and that is the bound copy, not this horrible spiral that I have.  Well, I have to give them A+ in truthful advertising.  

Donna G