Pathological fracture, unsp site, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture that occurred due to an underlying disease process, rather than trauma, and is currently in a phase of delayed healing. The specific anatomical location of the fracture is not documented. This indicates ongoing medical management for the fracture itself, following initial treatment.

Apply this code for patients presenting for follow-up care of a pathological fracture where the healing process is progressing slower than expected. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," indicate a "subsequent encounter," and explicitly mention "delayed healing" without specifying a particular bone.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and not a traumatic fracture.
• This code requires a seventh character "G" for subsequent encounter with delayed healing; other seventh characters exist for routine healing or nonunion.
• Always attempt to code to a more specific anatomical site if documented, as "unspecified site" should be a last resort.