Pathological fracture, unsp ulna and radius, init for fx

This code signifies a fracture of either the ulna or radius, or both, that occurred due to an underlying disease process rather than significant trauma. The specific bone (ulna or radius) is not documented, and this is the initial treatment encounter for the fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a pathological fracture of an unspecified forearm bone (ulna or radius) and the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture. Supporting documentation would include a physician's note indicating "pathological fracture of forearm," "spontaneous fracture of ulna/radius," or similar, without specifying which bone.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "pathological fracture" and not just "fracture."
• Verify that the encounter is for the initial treatment of the fracture; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.
• Always code the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first, if known.