ICD-10-CM Code M21.612

Bunion of left foot

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: M00–M99
  3. Section: M20-M25
  4. Block: M21
  5. M21.612 - Bunion of left foot
Version 2020 Billable Code

Valid for Submission

M21.612 is a billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis of bunion of left foot. The code is valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:M21.612
Short Description:Bunion of left foot
Long Description:Bunion of left foot

Diagnostic Related Groups

The ICD-10 code M21.612 is grouped in the following groups for version MS-DRG V37.0 What are Diagnostic Related Groups?
The Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) are a patient classification scheme which provides a means of relating the type of patients a hospital treats. The DRGs divides all possible principal diagnoses into mutually exclusive principal diagnosis areas referred to as Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). applicable from 10/01/2019 through 09/30/2020.

  • 564 - OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DIAGNOSES WITH MCC
  • 565 - OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DIAGNOSES WITH CC
  • 566 - OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DIAGNOSES WITHOUT CC/MCC

Replacement Code

M21612 replaces the following previously assigned ICD-10 code(s):

  • M20.12 - Hallux valgus (acquired), left foot

Convert M21.612 to ICD-9

  • 727.1 - Bunion (Approximate Flag)

Code Classification

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

Code History

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

Information for Patients


Toe Injuries and Disorders

Fourteen of the 26 bones in your feet are in your toes. The toes, particularly your big toe, help you move and keep your balance. Playing sports, running, stubbing your toe, and dropping something on your foot can damage your toes. Wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight can also cause toe problems. Certain diseases, such as severe arthritis, can cause toe problems and pain. Gout often causes pain in the big toe.

Common toe problems include

  • Corns and bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains and dislocations
  • Fractures

Treatments for toe injuries and disorders vary. They might include shoe inserts or special shoes, padding, taping, medicines, rest, and in severe cases, surgery.


[Learn More]

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]

Previous Code: M21.611

Related Codes

Next Code: M21.619