Pathological fracture, left radius, init encntr for fracture

This code signifies a fracture of the left radius that occurred due to a pre-existing disease process, rather than significant trauma. It indicates the initial phase of treatment for this specific pathological fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a left radial fracture resulted from an underlying condition such as osteoporosis, bone tumor, or metabolic bone disease. This code is appropriate for the patient's first encounter for this specific fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and the laterality (left radius).
• Do not use this code for traumatic fractures; those are coded differently.
• Always code the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first, followed by this fracture code.