Top Resources for Learning ICD-10-CM

The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) is an essential coding system used by healthcare providers, medical coders, and insurance companies in the United States. It helps standardize the documentation of diagnoses and conditions for billing, reporting, and analytics. Whether you’re a beginner medical coder or a healthcare professional looking to strengthen your coding knowledge, mastering ICD-10-CM is crucial for accuracy and compliance.

Fortunately, there are numerous high-quality resources available — both free and paid — to help you learn ICD-10-CM effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the top resources that cater to different learning styles and levels of expertise.


1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding

The CMS website is the official source for ICD-10-CM guidelines, updates, and code sets. It provides:

Annual updates to the ICD-10-CM code set

Coding guidelines and instructional notes

PDFs and downloadable files for offline reference

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date and authoritative material, this should be your starting point.


2. CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd10cm.htm

The NCHS, in coordination with CMS, publishes and maintains the ICD-10-CM. Here, you can access:

The official ICD-10-CM Tabular List and Alphabetic Index

Addenda, errata, and updates

Public use files for academic and research purposes

The CDC’s resources are especially valuable for coders interested in public health and research applications.


3. AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)

Website: https://www.aapc.com/

AAPC offers:

Certification programs (e.g., CPC® — Certified Professional Coder)

ICD-10-CM training courses

Practice exams and flashcards

Webinars, forums, and study guides

AAPC’s resources are designed for coders who want structured learning paths and recognized credentials. Their online courses combine videos, quizzes, and case-based scenarios for practical learning.


4. AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)

Website: https://www.ahima.org/

AHIMA is another trusted organization offering:

ICD-10-CM training modules

Certification prep for CCA®, CCS®, and RHIT®

Interactive coding workbooks

CEU (Continuing Education Units) for professionals

Their content is ideal for those working in health information management and hospital coding.


5. Coding Books by Publishers like Optum360 and Elsevier

Many coders still prefer physical books. Some of the top-rated ICD-10-CM books include:

ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians by Optum360

Step-by-Step Medical Coding by Carol J. Buck (Elsevier)

These books offer detailed coding instructions, code lookups, and practice exercises — perfect for in-depth study or classroom use.


6. YouTube Channels & Free Online Courses

For visual learners, YouTube has many instructors who break down ICD-10-CM basics, such as:

CCO (Coding Certification Org)

MedicalCodingCert

Contempo Coding

Free courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy can also provide introductions, though certification or advanced training often requires payment.


Final Thoughts

Learning ICD-10-CM requires consistent practice, up-to-date resources, and an understanding of medical terminology. Whether you choose official documentation, certification programs, textbooks, or video tutorials, the key is to stay current and apply what you learn through real coding scenarios. With these top resources, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of ICD-10-CM and succeed in your healthcare coding career.


Learn Medical Coding Training Course

Read More: Understanding Medical Terminology for Coders

Read More: Role of Medical Coders in Revenue Cycle Management

Read More: Differences Between Inpatient and Outpatient Coding

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