Fracture of unsp phalanx of finger, subs for fx w nonunion

This code indicates a non-healing fracture of an unspecified phalanx in any finger other than the thumb, requiring ongoing medical attention. Nonunion signifies that the bone fragments have failed to heal together after a typical healing period, often necessitating further intervention.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care, evaluation, or treatment of a previously diagnosed phalanx fracture in a finger (not the thumb) that has not united. This includes situations where surgical intervention for nonunion is being planned or has already occurred during the current episode of care.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the affected finger is not the thumb.
• Verify this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• Always code the specific phalanx (proximal, middle, distal) if documented, using a more precise code.