Stress fracture, left shoulder, init encntr for fracture

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting the left shoulder, which is a hairline crack in the bone resulting from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. It typically involves the proximal humerus or scapula due to overuse.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a stress fracture of the left shoulder, and it is the patient's initial visit for this specific fracture. This includes the period when the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "stress fracture" and not another type of fracture (e.g., pathological, traumatic).
• Verify the laterality is explicitly "left shoulder."
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for the fracture; subsequent care would use a different seventh character.