Stress fracture, left radius, subs for fx w routn heal

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting the left radius, which is a hairline crack in the bone resulting from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. The "D" seventh character indicates that the patient is in the healing phase of the fracture, and the healing process is progressing as expected without complications.

Use this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed stress fracture of the left radius, and the physician's documentation confirms routine healing. This typically applies to office visits, physical therapy sessions, or imaging studies performed during the recovery period after initial treatment. Documentation should explicitly state "stress fracture," "left radius," and indicate a "subsequent encounter" with "routine healing."

• Ensure the documentation specifies "stress fracture" as opposed to a traumatic fracture; traumatic fractures of the radius are coded differently.
• Verify the laterality (left radius) is clearly documented.
• The "D" seventh character is crucial for subsequent encounters with routine healing; do not use "A" (initial encounter) or "G" (subsequent encounter with delayed healing).