Stress fracture, hip, unsp, subs for fx w delay heal

This diagnosis code indicates a stress fracture of the hip that is in a healing phase, but the healing process is taking longer than expected. It signifies that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this specific type of fracture, which is characterized by repetitive microtrauma to the bone rather than a single acute injury.

This code is appropriate for encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed hip stress fracture that is exhibiting delayed union or healing. Documentation should clearly state "delayed healing," "nonunion," or similar terms, along with the specific location of the stress fracture in the hip and the fact that it's a subsequent encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "delayed healing" or "nonunion" for the hip stress fracture.
• Verify the encounter is for follow-up care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Distinguish from acute traumatic fractures or pathological fractures, which have different coding pathways.