Fracture of unsp phalanx of thmb, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of any phalanx (proximal or distal) of an unspecified thumb, where the patient is in the healing phase and experiencing delayed union. It indicates that the initial treatment has occurred, but the bone is not mending at the expected rate.

Use this code for follow-up encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed thumb phalanx fracture is presenting with evidence of delayed healing, such as persistent pain, swelling, or radiographic findings of incomplete callus formation. This applies when the specific phalanx (e.g., proximal vs. distal) of the thumb was not documented at the time of the initial injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" for the thumb phalanx fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care of the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• Confirm that the specific phalanx of the thumb was not identified in the medical record.