Oth fx fifth MC bone, left hand, subs for fx w malunion

This code indicates a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone in the left hand that has healed in an unsatisfactory position (malunion). It specifically applies when the patient is presenting for follow-up care or treatment related to this malunited fracture, not the initial injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with complications or ongoing issues due to a previously treated, but now malunited, fracture of the left fifth metacarpal. This includes scenarios where surgical correction of the malunion is being considered or performed, or for conservative management of the malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" and not "nonunion" (which has a different code series).
• Verify the fracture is of the fifth metacarpal and on the left hand.
• Confirm this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture, not the initial treatment.