Stress fracture, hip, unsp, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a stress fracture of the hip, meaning a hairline crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. The "unspecified" nature indicates the specific bone within the hip (e.g., femoral neck, acetabulum) is not documented. The "subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion" specifies that the patient is receiving ongoing care for a stress fracture that has failed to heal properly.

Use this code for follow-up visits or ongoing treatment related to a hip stress fracture that has not united. Documentation should clearly state "nonunion" or "failed healing" of a previously diagnosed stress fracture of the hip. This code is appropriate when the patient is beyond the initial healing phase and is being managed for the persistent nonunion.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nonunion" of the stress fracture; otherwise, a code for routine healing may be more appropriate.
• Confirm the encounter is "subsequent" and not an initial diagnosis or active treatment for an acute fracture.
• Always attempt to query for a more specific site within the hip (e.g., femoral neck) if not documented, to use a more precise code.