Unsp fx first MC bone, left hand, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the first metacarpal bone (thumb) in the left hand, where the initial injury has already been treated, but the bone is not healing at the expected rate. This indicates a complication in the recovery process, requiring ongoing medical attention.

Use this code for follow-up encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed and treated left first metacarpal fracture presents with signs or symptoms of delayed union. This includes situations where imaging shows incomplete healing beyond the typical timeframe, or the patient continues to experience pain and functional limitations due to the slow healing.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for the left first metacarpal fracture.
• Always pair this code with an external cause code if the original injury mechanism is relevant to the delayed healing.
• Verify the encounter is indeed "subsequent" and not an initial treatment or routine follow-up for a normally healing fracture.