Nondisp fx of shaft of 1st MC bone, unsp hand, 7thG

This code signifies a fracture of the main body (shaft) of the thumb's metacarpal bone that has not shifted out of alignment. The "unspecified hand" indicates that the laterality (left or right) of the injury is not documented. The "subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing" specifies that the patient is receiving follow-up care for this fracture, and the healing process is not progressing as expected.

Use this code when a patient presents for ongoing treatment of a previously diagnosed, nondisplaced shaft fracture of the first metacarpal, and the physician notes that the fracture is experiencing delayed union. This applies to situations where the initial treatment has been rendered, and the patient is now being managed for the slow healing of the bone.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" for a subsequent encounter.
• Verify that the fracture is specifically of the "shaft" and is "nondisplaced."
• If laterality (left or right hand) is documented, a more specific code should be chosen.