ICD-10 Data Download: Official Sources and Free Access
- Jan 31, 2025
Looking to download ICD-10 code data? The official source is CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), which provides complete ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS data files free of charge. This guide covers where to get the data, available formats, and how developers can access structured data.
Quick Answer: Where to Download
Official download page: CMS.gov ICD-10 Code Sets
CMS provides free access to all ICD-10 data. No registration or payment required.
Available Downloads from CMS.gov
ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis Codes)
| File Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tabular XML | Complete code hierarchy with clinical notes | Developers, databases |
| Order File (TXT) | Simple list of codes and descriptions | Quick lookups |
| Code Descriptions (TXT) | Short and long descriptions | Integration |
| Guidelines PDF | Official coding guidelines | Coders, education |
| Addenda | New, revised, deleted codes | Year-over-year changes |
Direct link: ICD-10-CM Downloads
ICD-10-PCS (Procedure Codes)
| File Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tables XML | Complete PCS tables with all character values | Developers, code builders |
| Order File (TXT) | List of all valid codes | Reference |
| Code Descriptions (TXT) | Short and long descriptions | Integration |
| Guidelines PDF | Official PCS guidelines | Coders, education |
| Reference Manual PDF | Complete documentation | Deep understanding |
Direct link: ICD-10-PCS Downloads
File Formats Explained
XML Format (Recommended for Developers)
The XML files contain the richest data, including:
- Complete code hierarchy (chapters → sections → categories → codes)
- Clinical notes (Includes, Excludes1, Excludes2, Code First, etc.)
- 7th character definitions
- All metadata
Sample ICD-10-CM XML structure:
``xml``
TXT/CSV Format
Flat text files with codes and descriptions:
``
E1165 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia
E119 Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
Good for simple lookups, not suitable for understanding code relationships.
PDF Format
Human-readable documentation including:
- Official coding guidelines
- Alphabetic index
- Tabular list
- Reference manuals
Best for learning and reference, not for data processing.
Update Schedule
CMS releases new ICD-10 code sets annually:
| Milestone | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| Code freeze (final codes announced) | April 1 |
| File release | June |
| Implementation date | October 1 |
Current versions:
- 2025 codes: Effective October 1, 2024
- 2026 codes: Effective October 1, 2025
Both versions are available on FindICD10 - use the version toggle in the header to switch.
How FindICD10 Uses This Data
FindICD10 downloads and processes official CMS data through our ETL pipeline:
- Download - Fetch XML files from CMS.gov
- Parse - Extract codes, descriptions, hierarchy, and clinical notes
- Load - Store in our SQLite database with full-text search
- Serve - Provide fast search via web and API
All data on FindICD10 comes directly from CMS.gov and is updated with each annual release.
Developer Access
MCP Server (AI Integration)
For developers building AI applications, we provide an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that exposes ICD-10 search capabilities:
- Search codes by keyword
- Get code details and clinical notes
- Find related codes
- Analyze clinical text
Repository: Check our Developer page for MCP server documentation.
Direct Database Access
If you need to build your own ICD-10 database, the general approach is:
- Download XML files from CMS.gov
- Parse XML to extract code data
- Store in your preferred database (SQLite, PostgreSQL, etc.)
- Build search indexes for fast lookup
Key tables you'll need:
- Codes (code, name, is_billable)
- Hierarchy (parent-child relationships)
- Clinical notes (includes, excludes, code_first, etc.)
Data Quality and Accuracy
Official Source Guarantees
CMS.gov data is:
- The authoritative source for all Medicare/Medicaid coding
- Used by all major EHR vendors and payers
- Updated annually with public comment periods
- Subject to ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee review
Third-Party Sources
Many commercial vendors resell CMS data with value-added features. However:
- The underlying codes are identical to CMS
- You're paying for formatting, tools, or support
- CMS data is always free and official
Common Download Questions
Is ICD-10 data free?
Yes. CMS.gov provides all ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS data files at no cost. No registration required.
Do I need a license to use ICD-10 codes?
No. ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS are in the public domain. You can freely use them in applications, documentation, and billing systems.
How often is the data updated?
Annually, effective October 1st each year. Interim updates are rare but possible for significant errors.
What's the difference between CM and PCS downloads?
- ICD-10-CM = Diagnosis codes (used everywhere)
- ICD-10-PCS = Procedure codes (inpatient only)
Most users need ICD-10-CM. Download ICD-10-PCS only if coding inpatient hospital procedures.
Can I download historical versions?
Yes. CMS archives previous years' files. Navigate to the ICD-10 page and look for "prior year" or "archive" links.
Alternative Data Sources
WHO ICD-10 (International)
The World Health Organization maintains the international ICD-10 classification. CMS adapted this for US use (the "CM" in ICD-10-CM means "Clinical Modification").
- WHO ICD-10 Browser
- Different from US ICD-10-CM (no clinical modifications)
Commercial Sources
Several vendors provide ICD-10 data with additional features:
| Vendor | Value-Add |
|---|---|
| AAPC | Integration with CPT, training materials |
| AMA | Bundled with CPT licensing |
| 3M | Code editing, DRG grouping |
| Various EHR vendors | EMR-specific formatting |
These all use the same underlying CMS data.
Start Working with ICD-10 Data
For immediate code lookup:
- Search ICD-10 codes
- Browse ICD-10-CM hierarchy
- Browse ICD-10-PCS sections
For data download:
- CMS ICD-10-CM files
- CMS ICD-10-PCS files
For developers:
- FindICD10 MCP Server
- AI Clinical Note Analyzer
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Data sourced from CMS.gov. This page describes how to access official government data sources.