Stress fracture, unsp shoulder, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting an unspecified shoulder, indicating a bone injury resulting from repetitive stress rather than acute trauma. The "P" seventh character specifies that this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture, and it has healed improperly, resulting in a malunion.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a stress fracture of the shoulder, without specifying left or right, and the patient is presenting for follow-up care of this fracture that has healed in an anatomically incorrect position. The physician's notes should explicitly mention "malunion" in the context of the stress fracture.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "stress fracture" and not another type of fracture (e.g., pathological, traumatic).
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care of the fracture and that malunion is present; otherwise, a different seventh character may be appropriate.
• Do not use this code if the specific shoulder (left or right) is documented; instead, select a more specific code from the M84.31- series.