Pathological fracture, left finger(s), sequela

This code signifies a pathological fracture affecting one or more fingers on the left hand, where the fracture itself is a late effect or complication of an earlier injury or disease. A pathological fracture occurs due to a weakened bone structure, not from excessive force. The "sequela" indicates that the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and this code is used for residual conditions or complications.

Use this code when documenting a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a pathological fracture of the left finger(s). This applies when the patient is presenting for treatment of the sequela, such as chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or deformity, after the initial fracture has healed or is no longer in its acute phase. Documentation should clearly state "sequela," "late effect," or indicate a chronic condition related to a previous pathological fracture.

• Always sequence this code after the code identifying the underlying condition that caused the pathological fracture (e.g., osteoporosis, neoplasm).
• Do not use this code for acute pathological fractures; instead, use the appropriate acute pathological fracture code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "left finger(s)" and indicates the sequela nature of the encounter.