Stress fracture, right ulna, initial encounter for fracture

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting the right ulna, which is a hairline crack in the bone resulting from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. It indicates that this is the initial encounter for the patient's treatment of this specific fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a stress fracture of the right ulna and the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture. This includes initial evaluation, surgical repair, or casting. Supporting documentation would include imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) confirming a stress fracture and physician notes detailing the diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Ensure documentation specifies "stress fracture" and not a traumatic fracture, which would require a different code series.
• Verify laterality (right ulna) is clearly documented; codes exist for left and unspecified ulna.
• Confirm this is the "initial encounter" for treatment; subsequent encounters for routine healing or sequelae will use different seventh characters.