Stress fracture, left hand, sequela

This code signifies a stress fracture of the left hand, indicating a fracture resulting from repetitive microtrauma rather than a single acute injury, with the "S" seventh character denoting a sequela. A sequela implies that the stress fracture is a late effect or residual condition of an earlier injury or disease.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a healed or resolving stress fracture of the left hand, and the patient is presenting for treatment of a complication or residual problem directly related to that prior stress fracture. This could include chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or functional limitations stemming from the original stress fracture. Documentation should specify "left hand" and explicitly state the stress fracture as a "sequela" or "late effect."

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "sequela" or "late effect" of a stress fracture. If not, a different seventh character may be appropriate.
• Do not use this code for an initial encounter or subsequent encounter for an active stress fracture; the "S" character is reserved for sequelae.
• Always code the underlying cause of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, malunion) first, followed by this sequela code.