Pathological fracture, left radius, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a pathological fracture of the left radius that has failed to heal properly, indicating a nonunion. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. This specific code is used for follow-up care related to this nonunion.

Apply this code for patients presenting for ongoing treatment, monitoring, or surgical intervention for a left radial pathological fracture that has been diagnosed with nonunion. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "left radius," "nonunion," and indicate that this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture.

• Always sequence the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first, if known and still active.
• Distinguish carefully between nonunion (failure to heal) and malunion (healed in a poor position).
• Ensure documentation specifies "left" radius; laterality is crucial for accurate coding.