Pathological fracture, unsp site, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a bone fracture that occurred due to an underlying disease, not from significant trauma, and is currently in a stage of nonunion. Nonunion indicates that the fracture has failed to heal completely after an expected period, and the patient is receiving ongoing treatment for this complication. This specific code is for an unspecified anatomical location.

Use this code for a patient presenting for follow-up care, such as cast changes, physical therapy, or medication management, for a pathological fracture that has not healed. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "nonunion," and indicate that it is a subsequent encounter for treatment of the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and not a traumatic fracture.
• Confirm the encounter is for ongoing care of the nonunion, not the initial treatment or healing phase.
• If the site is known, a more specific code from the M84.4- series should be used instead of the unspecified site.