Pathological fracture, left femur, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a pathological fracture of the left femur 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 when the patient is receiving subsequent care for this nonunion.

Use this code for patients presenting for follow-up treatment, cast changes, physical therapy, or other ongoing management of a left femoral pathological fracture that has been documented as a nonunion. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "left femur," and "nonunion," along with an indication of subsequent care.

• Always identify the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture and code it first.
• Distinguish between malunion (healed in poor alignment) and nonunion (failure to heal).
• Ensure documentation specifies "subsequent encounter" for appropriate seventh character assignment.