New To Medical Coding? You’re in the Right Place.

Starting medical billing or coding can feel overwhelming. New terminology, thick code books, and a lot of information all at once. This page is here to help get you oriented, build confidence, and figure out what to focus on first.

Whether you’re brand new or just need a clearer study system, you’ll find some helpful guidance below.

Step 1: Understanding How Coding Books are Organized

Medical coding books are designed to guide you—once you know how to navigate them.

  • ICD-10-CM codes are organized by chapter, often based on body system or condition.

  • CPT codes are primarily organized by body system, and then by procedure type.

  • The guidelines, parentheticals, and symbols are just as important as the codes themselves.

Step 2: Use Color to Make Sense of CPT codes

Using a color-coding system is one of the easiest ways to visually organize information and reduce cognitive overload.

When used intentionally, color-coding can help you:

  • Quickly identify parent vs. child CPT codes

  • Spot important guidelines and parenthetical notes

  • Recognize anatomic location, modifiers, and symbols

  • Retain information more effectively

How to Use the Color Coding Guide →

TIP: Your color system should work for your brain, it doesn’t have to look perfect or make sense to anyone else.

Step 3: Building a Study System That Works for You

There is no “one-size fits all” study method - but there are habits that help most students succeed:

  • Study in short, focused sessions

  • Actively annotate instead of passively reading or listening

  • Review guidelines frequently

  • Practice applying the codes, not just identifying them

  • Stay consistent, even if the progress feels slow

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Trying to memorize codes

  • Skipping over guidelines or parenthetical notes

  • Over-highlighting without purpose

  • Misusing modifiers

  • Misunderstanding Global Periods

  • Not coding to the highest level of specificity

If You’re Studying for CPC or CPB Exams

  • Focus on understanding code structure and rules

  • Learn how to navigate your books quickly and effectively

  • Practice reading the documentation carefully

  • Get comfortable with time management

Where to Go Next:

A Quick Note From Me

Learning medical coding and billing is a process, and it’s okay if it doesn’t click right away! Progress comes from consistency, curiosity, and giving yourself the grace to learn at your own pace.

You don’t have to do this alone - there are tons of free and useful resources available!