Bunion

This code represents a bunion, which is a painful bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint of the big toe to stick out.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of a bunion. This typically includes patient complaints of pain, swelling, or deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, confirmed by physical examination.

• Differentiate from hallux valgus, which is the angular deformity, while a bunion is the bony prominence.
• Specify laterality (e.g., right, left, bilateral) if documented, though ICD-9-CM does not offer laterality for this specific code.
• Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis, such as physician notes describing the characteristic bump and associated symptoms.