Comparison

ICD 10 2026 vs MDS Helper

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ICD 10 2026

This medical coding tool provides fast, up-to-date ICD-10-CM code lookup and selection. It features instant search, clinical notes, and structured browsing to streamline workflows for healthcare professionals and students. Advanced features like iCloud sync and an ad-free experience are available with a subscription.

Highlights
  • Up-to-date ICD-10-CM database
  • Instant search with real-time highlighting
  • Includes official notes for accuracy
  • Structured browsing by chapters
  • Code sharing via email or AirPrint
  • iCloud sync for favorites
  • Ad-free experience with subscription
Features
Read full description

Streamline your medical coding workflow with the most intuitive, fast, and up-to-date ICD-10-CM reference on the App Store. Designed for clinicians, billers, coders, and students, this app simplifies diagnostic code lookup and selection. ALWAYS CURRENT, ALWAYS COMPLIANT Stay up to code with the complete 2026 ICD-10-CM database — every code valid for healthcare services from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. A SEARCH ENGINE BUILT FOR THE CLINIC ▸ Smart Query Expansion — Type "HTN" and find essential hypertension. Type "heart attack" and find myocardial infarction. The search engine recognizes over 140 clinical abbreviations and layman terms, then shows you transparently what it expanded so you never lose the thread. ▸ Semantic Suggestions — Related code groupings surface alongside your results to help you discover codes you might otherwise miss. ▸ Instant Search — Find codes as you type with real-time keyword highlighting. ▸ Clinical Precision — Includes all official Includes, Type 1 & 2 Excludes, and Applicable-to notes to support accurate documentation and reduce claim denials. ▸ Structured Browsing — Navigate by Chapters and Subgroups to explore the full code hierarchy. ▸ At-a-Glance Codability — Green dots mark specific, billable codes; red dots mark non-specific categories that need more detail. ORGANIZE YOUR DAY ▸ Favorites — Tag the codes you reach for most with a single tap. Up to 10 codes on the free plan; unlimited folders to organize them. ▸ Folders & Sub-folders — Group by specialty, clinic, visit type, or patient population. As deep as you need to go. ▸ Personal Notes (NEW) — Premium subscribers can add their own coding rationale to any favorite code. A small indicator in your Favorites list shows you which codes have a note. ▸ Easy Sharing — Send codes via email straight from the detail view. ▸ Clean Interface — A modern UI built for fast-paced medical environments. PRO FEATURES (Subscription) Unlock the full power of the app: ▸ Personal Notes — Add your own coding rationale, billing reminders, or anything you'd want to remember to any favorite code. ▸ iCloud Sync — Keep your favorites, folders, and personal notes in sync across all your iPhone and iPad devices automatically. ▸ Unlimited Favorites — No 10-code cap on the codes you save. ▸ Ad-Free Experience — Focus on coding without interruptions. FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTION PLANS ▸ Monthly: $4.99 ▸ Six Months: $9.99 (Save over 65%) ▸ Annually: $14.99 (Best Value — just $1.25/month) Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions in your Account Settings. SUPPORT & LEGAL ▸ Contact us at support@vlrsoftware.com or directly through the app. ▸ ICD-10-CM codes are for reference and study purposes. VLR Software is an independent entity not affiliated with medical centers or government agencies. ▸ Terms of Service: https://www.vlrsoftware.com/app/icd10-2026/terms ▸ Privacy Policy: https://www.vlrsoftware.com/app/icd10-2026/privacy

About

MDS Helper

This app helps medical professionals calculate a specific 64 to 92 day window following a patient's prior assessment reference date. It is designed to aid in scheduling essential care during this critical period.

Highlights
  • Calculates 64-92 day assessment date span
  • Assists in scheduling patient care
  • Reference date determination
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

MDS Helper assists in determining the 64 to 92 date span after the prior ARD for a patient. It is extremely helpful for scheduling care during that window period.

Screenshots

ICD 10 20264 screens
MDS Helper1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MDS Helper at none against ICD 10 2026's 4. MDS Helper also leads on ads (none vs shown). ICD 10 2026's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 38 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ICD 10 2026 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MDS Helper asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ICD 10 2026 ships an update every 4 weeks, MDS Helper every 38 months. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ICD 10 2026 versus MDS Helper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterICD 10 2026MDS Helper
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews94.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 38 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size134 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVLR SoftwareEJSmith

Customer experience

ICD 10 2026

Written reviews18 reviews
Positive94.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative5.6%

MDS Helper

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

ICD 10 2026

Subscriptions3
  • 1 Month$4.991 Month
  • 6 Months$9.996 Months
  • 12 Months$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • ICD 10 Premium$6.99
None

MDS Helper

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ICD 10 2026 free?
ICD 10 2026 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MDS Helper free?
MDS Helper is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ICD 10 2026 or MDS Helper have ads?
ICD 10 2026 shows ads; MDS Helper does not.
Which is updated more often, ICD 10 2026 or MDS Helper?
ICD 10 2026 ships an update every 4 weeks, and MDS Helper every 38 months. Most recently, ICD 10 2026 was updated on September 16, 2026 and MDS Helper on September 10, 2026.

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