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

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting the left tibia that is not healing at the expected rate. It indicates that the patient is in a phase of treatment following the initial diagnosis and management, but the bone union is progressing slower than anticipated.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a stress fracture of the left tibia with delayed healing, and the patient is receiving ongoing care for this condition. This is appropriate for follow-up visits where the physician assesses the healing progress and notes it is slower than expected. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the fracture site, the delayed healing status, and the current phase of treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for the left tibia stress fracture.
• Do not confuse with nonunion (M84.362K) or routine healing (M84.362D).
• This code requires a seventh character "G" for subsequent encounter with delayed healing.