Stress fracture, left toe(s), subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting one or more toes on the left foot that is not healing at the expected rate. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this specific fracture, and the healing process is prolonged.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed stress fracture of the left toe(s) where documentation explicitly states "delayed healing." This typically occurs during subsequent visits after initial treatment, and the physician's notes confirm the fracture is not progressing as anticipated.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for the left toe stress fracture.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures healing normally.
• Requires an external cause code (e.g., from chapter 20) if the cause of the stress fracture is known and documented.