Anyone who goes back to school for vocational training usually has some form of sticker shock when they see how many textbooks they need to buy and how much they cost. Medical coding textbooks are no exception.
Bite the bullet
Some books you’re going to just have to buy, and probably at full price. Workbooks, for example, rarely enter the used textbook market, and filled in workbooks from someone else won’t exactly help you learn the materials. The other area you will have a hard time finding books in is in the coding systems.
If someone is staying in the field, why would they give up their coding books? It’s like the Bible. Expect to pay through the nose for new copies (although you can find some online discounts).
Buy used
Your school may be a source of information for buying used books, so start there. Some school bookstores will buy back books and resell them, though not at a significant discount. Still, you may be able to get 20% off.
One caveat, when you buy used textbooks, make sure you know exactly what comes with the book and what edition you need. Because the industry changes rapidly, many medical coding textbooks change every other year or so. If you need a 4th edition textbook, and you can find a 3rd edition book for a significantly lower price, ask your instructor if that would be a problem.
Plus, more than one unhappy student has bought a used book online, not realizing that it originally came with an accompanying CD. Not able to return the book, or buy the CD separately, students have had to buy the book again. Don’t let that happen to you.
Used textbooks can be purchased at a number of online bookstores, including:
• Amazon.com
• Half.com
• Textbooks.com
• Bigwords.com
• Abebooks.com
• Valorebooks.com
Borrow
In some cases, it may be possible to borrow some textbooks. One of the very best things you can do is become acquainted with someone who has recently graduated or is somewhat further along in their studies than you are. If you promise to treat the books as you would as your favorite children, and swear on your life to replace them if they get damaged, you may be able to borrow a book or two.
Rent
Remember in elementary school, when our parents had to pay to rent our textbooks for the year? You can still do that. It’s a pretty nifty thing to do if you absolutely must get the lowest possible price and it’s a newer edition book. I would rent only if I couldn’t find it used, but since 2010 books are tough to find on the secondary market, it is an option. Plus, it should be a book you don’t think you’ll ever want to use again – like to study for your exam.
What’s the best deal?
Here’s an example:
You need the Step-by-Step Medical Coding 2010 Edition
You can buy it new for $72.95 at major bookstores.
Or:
Rent:
You can rent it for a quarter for $48.34 (plus free shipping) at Bookrenter.com
Discounted New:
You can purchase it new at Amazon for $59.09 (plus shipping)
Used:
You can purchase it used at Amazon for $49.49 (plus shipping)
Angie Boss is an award-winning health industry writer and author or co-author of several books, including Before Your Time: Living Well with Premature Menopause (Simon and Schuster, 2010). She received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Sociology and Journalism from Virginia Wesleyan College and a Masters of Pastoral Counseling from Union Theological Seminary.
