Path fx in oth disease, r hand, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the right hand that occurred due to an underlying systemic disease (e.g., osteoporosis, metastatic cancer), and the patient is presenting for follow-up care because the fracture is not healing at the expected rate. It indicates that the initial treatment has been rendered, and the focus is now on managing the delayed union.

Apply this code when a patient with a known underlying disease presents for ongoing management of a right hand fracture that is demonstrating delayed healing. Documentation should clearly state the pathological nature of the fracture, its location in the right hand, and evidence of delayed healing during a subsequent encounter. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits after initial treatment.

• Ensure documentation specifies the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture.
• Verify the encounter is for subsequent care and not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Do not use for nonunion; a different code exists for established nonunion.