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

This code signifies a stress fracture of an unspecified vertebral body that is not healing at the expected rate. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this specific fracture, which has been previously diagnosed and is now demonstrating delayed union.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a vertebral fatigue fracture where the physician explicitly documents "delayed healing," "delayed union," or similar terminology indicating the fracture is not progressing to consolidation as anticipated. Documentation should confirm the fracture is a fatigue (stress) fracture and not a traumatic or pathological fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "fatigue fracture" and not just a general vertebral fracture.
• This code requires a seventh character "G" for subsequent encounter with delayed healing; do not use "A" for initial or "D" for routine follow-up.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if the delayed healing of the fatigue fracture is the reason for the encounter.