How to Make an Inexpensive Medical Coding Book Carousel with a Swivel Base for Open Manuals

Medical coding requires constant cross-referencing between large, heavy books like the CPT and ICD-10-CM manuals. Laying them flat across your desk wastes space, strains your neck, and slows down your workflow. A swivel book carousel designed to hold two manuals open simultaneously gives you faster access, better posture, and a cleaner workspace.

This DIY solution is ideal for:

• CPC students

• Exam prep stations

• Home offices

• Professional coding workstations

Best of all, you can build one for under $30.

Why Use an Open-Book Carousel for Medical Coding?

Unlike vertical book holders, an open-manual carousel allows you to:

• Keep two coding manuals open at the same time

• Rotate between CPT, ICD-10-CM, and notes quickly

• Reduce desk clutter

• Improve posture and reduce neck strain

• Simulate CPC exam book positioning

• Prevent book spine damage from constant flattening

This setup is especially helpful during long coding sessions and practice exams.

What You’ll Need (Budget-Friendly Supplies)

All items can be found online or at office, craft, or home improvement stores.

Core Supplies

1. Heavy-Duty Lazy Susan Turntable (12–16 inch)

   • Must support at least 100 lbs

   • Wood or metal is recommended

2. Wooden Book Stand or Adjustable Cookbook Stand

   • Must support large hardcover textbooks

   • Preferably with an adjustable angle

3. Plywood or MDF Base Board (12–16 inch square)

   • Acts as a mounting platform

4. Two Metal Book Holders or Page Clips

   • Keeps manuals open and flat

5. Non-Slip Shelf Liner

6. Screws or Industrial Mounting Tape

Optional:

• Wood glue

• Rubber feet

• Adjustable arms or document clips

Step-by-Step Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Swivel Base

Place your Lazy Susan on a sturdy desk or table.

Cut your plywood or MDF board to match the diameter of the Lazy Susan. Attach it using screws or heavy-duty mounting tape. This creates a solid rotating platform.

Add non-slip shelf liner on top of the board.

Step 2: Mount the Book Stand

Attach the wooden book stand to the center of the board.

If using two individual angled stands:

• Mount them side by side in a V-shape

• Leave space in the middle for page flipping

Secure with screws or industrial adhesive.

Step 3: Add Page Holders

Attach metal page clips or elastic book bands to the top edges of each stand.

This keeps thick manuals open without closing.

Step 4: Load Your Manuals

Place:

• CPT manual on one side

• ICD-10-CM on the other

You can rotate the entire carousel to bring either book front and center.

Stability & Safety Tips

• Use a Lazy Susan rated for kitchen appliances

• Keep the books centered over the base

• Do not exceed the weight capacity

• Place rubber feet under the base for extra grip

• Keep the carousel on a flat surface

Ideal Setup for CPC Exam Practice

This configuration mirrors real exam conditions:

• Two manuals open at once

• Easy rotation between code sets

• No stacking or desk clutter

• Faster navigation during timed tests

Students report faster lookup speed and less fatigue using this setup.

Estimated Cost

• Lazy Susan: $12–18 Lazy Susan x1

• Book stand(s): $8–12 Desktop Bookstand x2

• Wood base + hardware: $5–8

Total: Approximately $25–40

An open-manual swivel carousel is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to your medical coding workspace. It saves time, protects your books, and improves comfort during long coding sessions.

Whether you’re preparing for the CPC exam or coding professionally, this setup keeps your two most important manuals exactly where you need them — open, visible, and ready.

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