Acquired absence of unspecified great toe

This code signifies the permanent loss of the great toe (hallux) due to a cause other than a congenital anomaly. This absence is a result of an event or condition that occurred after birth, such as trauma, surgery, or disease. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the laterality (left or right) of the missing great toe is not documented.

Use this code when documentation clearly states the acquired absence of a great toe, and the specific side (left or right) is not provided. This would apply to patients presenting with a history of amputation of the great toe where the operative report or other medical records do not specify the affected foot. It is also appropriate for long-term follow-up of such conditions when laterality is unknown.

• Always attempt to clarify laterality (left or right) with the provider to use a more specific code (Z89.411 or Z89.412).
• Do not use this code for congenital absence of the great toe; refer to Q codes for congenital malformations.
• This code is for the absence of the toe, not for conditions affecting an existing great toe.