Fatigue fx vertebra, site unsp, subs for fx w routn heal

This code signifies a stress fracture of an unspecified vertebral body that is currently in the routine healing phase. It indicates that the patient is returning for follow-up care after the initial treatment of the fatigue fracture.

Apply this code for subsequent encounters where a patient is receiving ongoing management for a vertebral stress fracture that is healing normally. Documentation should clearly state "fatigue fracture," "stress fracture," or "insufficiency fracture" of a vertebra, and indicate that the encounter is for follow-up or routine healing.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "fatigue fracture" or "stress fracture" rather than a traumatic fracture.
• The 7th character "D" is crucial and indicates a subsequent encounter for routine healing.
• Do not use this code if the fracture is experiencing delayed healing, nonunion, or malunion; different 7th characters would apply.