Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M21.61

Bunion

ICD-10-CM Code:
M21.61
ICD-10 Code for:
Bunion
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    (M00–M99)
    • Other joint disorders
      (M20-M25)
      • Other acquired deformities of limbs
        (M21)

M21.61 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of bunion. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Bunion

Non-specific codes like M21.61 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for bunion:

  • Use M21.611 for Bunion of right foot - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M21.612 for Bunion of left foot - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M21.619 for Bunion of unspecified foot - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Bunion

    abnormal swelling of the inner aspect of the first metatarsal head affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
  • Bunion, Tailor's

    abnormal swelling of the outer aspect of the fifth metatarsal head affecting the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint.
  • Metatarsophalangeal Joint

    the articulation between a metatarsal bone (metatarsal bones) and a phalanx.

Index to Diseases and Injuries References

The following annotation back-references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index. The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10-CM code(s).

Patient Education


Bunion

A bunion, known technically as hallux valgus, is a bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions develop slowly as pressure on the joint at the base of the big toe causes the toe to move out of place, leaning inward toward the second toe. Because this joint carries a lot of weight during activities like standing and walking, bunions can cause foot pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. Calluses may form where the big toe and second toe rub together or on the ball of the foot. Unless they are treated, bunions get worse over time, and it may become difficult to wear regular shoes or walk without pain. Bunions can occur in one or both feet.

In most cases, bunions develop in adulthood. Rarely, children may be born with bunions (known as congenital hallux valgus) or develop them later in childhood (juvenile or adolescent hallux valgus).


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018