Best Free Medical Billing and Coding Resources

Several reputable organizations provide free medical billing and coding training materials. These are not watered-down teasers; some are the same resources working professionals use daily.

CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers free web-based training courses at cms.gov. Key courses include Diagnosis Coding: Using the ICD-10-CM and Procedure Coding: Using the ICD-10-PCS, both updated in 2025. The MLN also covers Medicare billing for both institutional (837I/CMS-1450) and professional (837P/CMS-1500) claims. These courses are free, self-paced, and available to anyone.

YouTube Channels. Contempo Coding, run by Victoria Moll, is one of the most subscribed medical coding channels on YouTube. It covers CPC exam preparation, ICD-10-CM guidelines, job hunting strategies, and industry updates. Other strong channels include Medical Coding with Bleu, which breaks down coding scenarios step by step, and CCO (Certified Coder Online), which posts practice question walkthroughs and exam tips.

AAPC Free Resources. AAPC publishes free webinars, quizzes, and coding tools on its website. The AAPC Knowledge Center includes articles on coding accuracy, compliance updates, and practical tips. AAPC also provides free ICD-10 mapping tools and a salary calculator. While full study bundles require purchase, the free tier is genuinely useful for building foundational knowledge.

Hands-on practice with real coding tools is one of the fastest ways to build competence. Several free platforms let you look up and practice with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes.

ICD10Data.com. This is the most widely used free ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS reference on the web. It provides the full 2026 code set with searchable descriptions, tabular listings, and index navigation. If you are studying for the CPC exam or the CCA exam, this is an essential bookmarking.

CMS ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines. The official guidelines document is published as a free PDF by CMS each fiscal year. It is the same document used in coding classrooms and on open-book certification exams. Downloading and studying the current year's guidelines is non-negotiable for any serious student.

AAPC Free Quizzes and Practice Questions. AAPC offers free coding quizzes on its website that test knowledge across medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM, and CPT. These are shorter than full practice exams, but they help identify weak areas. For full-length timed practice tests, paid options from AAPC or third-party providers like CCO are more realistic simulations.

Find-A-Code (Limited Free Access). Find-A-Code offers a limited free tier that lets you look up individual ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes. The free version is useful for quick lookups, though the full database requires a subscription.

Learning medical coding in isolation is harder than it needs to be. Several online communities provide peer support, study groups, and real-world coding advice.

r/MedicalCoding (Reddit). The r/MedicalCoding subreddit is one of the most active online forums for medical coders. Members share exam study tips, job search experiences, salary information, and advice on navigating the certification process. It is especially helpful for honest, unfiltered perspectives on which programs and credentials are worth the investment.

AAPC Discussion Forums. The AAPC forums have been active for over a decade and contain thousands of threads on coding scenarios, credential comparisons, and career questions. AAPC membership is required to post, but many threads are publicly visible. It is a solid resource when you encounter a specific coding question and need input from experienced professionals.

Facebook Groups. Several Facebook groups, including "Medical Coders" and "Medical Billing and Coding Students," have tens of thousands of members. The quality varies, but these groups are useful for finding study partners and staying current on industry news.

Several platforms offer structured coursework at no cost or very low cost. While these do not replace an accredited training program, they can give you a foundation before committing to a paid program.

Coursera (Audit Mode). AAPC partnered with Coursera to offer a Medical Biller Professional Certificate. While the full certificate costs money, individual courses within the program can be audited for free. Auditing gives you access to video lectures and readings, though not graded assignments or the credential itself.

MedicalBillingAndCoding.org Introductory Course. This site offers a free introductory course divided into six modules covering medical terminology, code sets, claim forms, and compliance basics. It includes downloadable study materials designed to help students decide if the field is a good fit before enrolling in a paid program.

AMCI (Absolute Medical Coding Institute). AMCI publishes a curated list of free online coding courses and has its own free beginner content. It is a good starting point for understanding ICD-10-CM structure and basic coding workflows.

Keep in mind that free resources are best used alongside, not instead of, formal preparation. Employers and the BLS report a national median salary of $50,250 per year for medical records specialists (BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook), and that figure rises to an average of $62,689 for CPC-certified coders (AAPC, 2025 Salary Survey). The investment in a recognized credential still pays for itself, but free tools can reduce how much you spend getting there.