Oth fracture of fourth metacarpal bone, right hand, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual condition resulting from a past fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone in the right hand. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing symptoms or complications directly attributable to that previous injury, rather than an acute fracture. These sequelae might include chronic pain, limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion, or post-traumatic arthritis.

Apply this code when a patient presents for treatment of a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a previously sustained fracture of the right fourth metacarpal. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing chronic issues after the initial fracture has healed. Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute fracture.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, with the primary diagnosis reflecting the specific sequela being treated (e.g., M79.641 for pain in right hand).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior right fourth metacarpal fracture.
• Verify that the "S" seventh character is appropriate, indicating a sequela, and not an initial encounter (A) or subsequent encounter (D) for an active fracture.