Pathological fracture, hip, unsp, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a pathological fracture of the hip that has failed to heal properly (nonunion) and the patient is currently receiving routine care during the healing phase. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than trauma. The "K" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter for a fracture with nonunion.

Use this code for patients presenting for follow-up care, cast changes, medication adjustments, or other routine management of a pathological hip fracture that has been documented as having nonunion. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "hip," "nonunion," and indicate that this is not the initial treatment encounter.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nonunion" for the fracture. If nonunion is not documented, a different seventh character would be appropriate.
• This code requires a seventh character "K" for subsequent encounter with nonunion; do not use "D" (subsequent encounter for routine healing) or "P" (subsequent encounter with malunion).
• Always code the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first, followed by this fracture code.