Radiology Coding Alert

Question: A physician 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: The ICD-9 code for a Jones fracture is 825.25 (Fracture of metatarsal bone[s] closed).

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 the small toe. Diagnostic imaging may include X-ray, CT, or bone scan.

This fracture is difficult to heal, and treatment often requires immobilization and protection from weight (crutches). The fracture also may require surgery.

ICD-10: The future code set offers more specific options for this fracture than ICD-9 does.

• S92.351-, Displaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, right foot
• S92.352-, Displaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, left foot
• S92.353-, Displaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, unspecified foot
• S92.354-, Nondisplaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, right foot
• S92.355-, Nondisplaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, left foot
• S92.356-, Nondisplaced fracture of fifth metatarsal bone, unspecified foot.

The seventh character is chosen based on the encounter, such as A (Initial encounter for closed fracture).