Path fx in oth disease, r shoulder, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a fracture of the right shoulder that occurred due to an underlying disease process, not from normal trauma. The fracture has previously been treated, but healing has resulted in a malunion, meaning the bone fragments have healed in an incorrect anatomical position. This code is used for follow-up care related to this specific complication.

Apply this code for patients presenting for ongoing management or treatment of a right shoulder fracture that healed improperly (malunion) and was caused by a systemic condition like osteoporosis, bone tumor, or metabolic bone disease. Documentation should clearly state the pathological nature of the original fracture, the right shoulder location, and the presence of malunion during a subsequent encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and identifies the underlying disease if known (code the disease first).
• Verify the encounter is for follow-up care of the malunion, not initial treatment or routine healing.
• Distinguish from nonunion (M84.4-) or routine healing (M84.3-); malunion implies healing in an unsatisfactory alignment.