Stress fracture, left toe(s), subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting one or more toes on the left foot, specifically when the patient is receiving active treatment for a fracture that has not healed properly (nonunion). A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone caused by repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic injury. Nonunion indicates that the bone ends have failed to unite after a prolonged period.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a stress fracture of the left toe(s) and the patient is undergoing ongoing care for a nonunion of that fracture. This typically applies to follow-up visits, cast changes, or surgical interventions aimed at promoting healing of the ununited fracture. Documentation should specify "stress fracture," "left toe(s)," and "nonunion" with the encounter type being "subsequent."

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nonunion" for the fracture; otherwise, a different subsequent encounter code for routine healing may be more appropriate.
• Laterality (left) is crucial; do not use this code for right or unspecified toe stress fractures.
• Always sequence this code after any applicable external cause codes if the stress fracture was work-related or due to an activity.