Disp fx of base of fifth metacarpal bone, right hand, init

This diagnosis code signifies a break in the proximal portion of the fifth metacarpal bone in the right hand, where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal anatomical alignment. This type of injury is often referred to as a Boxer's fracture when it occurs in the neck of the fifth metacarpal, but this code specifically refers to the base. The fracture is closed, meaning the skin over the injury remains intact.

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, displaced fracture at the base of the right fifth metacarpal. It is used when the fracture has not broken through the skin and the patient is receiving their first active treatment for this specific injury. This includes initial evaluation, imaging, and management such as reduction or casting.

• Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "base of fifth metacarpal" to support this code.
• Verify the encounter is "initial" for active treatment; subsequent care will require a different encounter character.
• Confirm the fracture is "closed"; open fractures have distinct coding.