Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: A podiatrist in my practice listed Jones fracture as the patient's diagnosis, but I could not find it in my ICD-9 book. What is the appropriate diagnosis code for this condition?

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: A Jones fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot. The fifth metatarsal is the bone that runs from the midfoot to the base of small toe. A Jones fracture enters the intermetatarsal joint. It is difficult to heal, and often requires immobilization and protection from weight (crutches). It may also require surgery.

Don't confuse it with a fracture entering the tarsometarsal joint since that would be an avulsion fracture. The ICD-9 code for a Jones fracture is 825.25 (Fracture of metatarsal bone[s] closed).