Path fracture in neoplastic disease, unsp humerus, sequela

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified humerus that occurred due to the weakening of the bone by a neoplastic (cancerous) process, with the fracture itself being a long-term complication or residual effect of the initial injury. It indicates that the patient is presenting for treatment of the sequela of the pathological fracture, not the acute fracture or the active neoplastic disease.

Use this code when a patient is being treated for a chronic or residual problem directly resulting from a pathological fracture of the humerus caused by cancer, after the initial healing of the fracture has occurred. Documentation should clearly state "sequela," "late effect," or indicate ongoing management of a complication from a past pathological fracture. This code is appropriate when the focus of care is on the long-term consequences, such as nonunion, malunion, or chronic pain, rather than the initial fracture treatment.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the underlying neoplastic disease (e.g., C79.51 for secondary malignant neoplasm of bone).
• Do not use this code for an acute pathological fracture; instead, use the appropriate M84.52- code with an A, D, or G seventh character.
• Ensure documentation specifies "unspecified humerus" if the laterality (left or right) is not documented.