Path fx in neopltc dis, unsp femur, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified femur that occurred due to an underlying neoplastic (cancerous) process, which is now being treated for a malunion. Malunion indicates that the fracture has healed, but in an unsatisfactory position or alignment, leading to functional impairment.

Apply this code when a patient presents for treatment of a femoral fracture that has healed incorrectly, and the fracture was a direct consequence of a tumor. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture due to neoplasm," specify the femur (even if unspecified), and indicate "malunion" during a subsequent encounter for care.

• Always sequence the underlying neoplasm code first, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "malunion" and not "nonunion" (M84.453P) or routine healing (M84.553D, M84.553G, M84.553K, M84.553N, M84.553S).
• Verify laterality if specified in the documentation; "unspecified femur" is used when laterality is not documented.