Stress fracture, left radius, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a stress fracture of the left radius that is currently in a healing phase, but the healing process is progressing slower than expected. It indicates that the patient has previously received initial treatment for this specific fracture and is now presenting for follow-up care due to the delayed healing.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a stress fracture of the left radius with ongoing, but delayed, healing. This is appropriate for follow-up visits where the provider is monitoring the fracture's progress and addressing the delayed union, after the initial treatment has been rendered. Supporting documentation should include notes on the fracture's location, the "stress" etiology, and explicit mention of delayed healing.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "stress fracture" and not another type of fracture (e.g., pathological, traumatic).
• Verify the laterality is explicitly "left radius" to avoid incorrect coding.
• This "G" seventh character is for subsequent encounters with delayed healing; do not use for initial treatment or routine healing.