Stress fracture, hip, unspecified, init encntr for fracture

This diagnosis code signifies a stress fracture affecting an unspecified part of the hip region. A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. The "initial encounter" designation indicates that the patient is receiving active treatment for this fracture.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a stress fracture of the hip, without specifying the exact location (e.g., femoral neck, acetabulum). This is appropriate for patients presenting for initial evaluation and management of the stress fracture, including diagnostic imaging and treatment planning. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the diagnosis, mechanism of injury (often overuse), and the start of treatment.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "stress fracture" and not another type of hip fracture.
• If the specific location of the hip stress fracture (e.g., femoral neck, intertrochanteric) is documented, a more specific code from the M84.35- subcategory should be used.
• The "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter; subsequent care for the same fracture would require different seventh characters (e.g., D for subsequent, S for sequela).