Pathological fracture, right femur, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of the right femur that occurred due to an underlying disease process, rather than trauma. The fracture has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion, and the patient is currently receiving follow-up care for this ongoing complication.

Apply this code when a patient presents for treatment of a right femoral pathological fracture that has not united. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," specify the right femur, and indicate "nonunion" as a complication. This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters after initial treatment, where the nonunion is the focus of care.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "pathological fracture" and not just a simple fracture.
• Verify laterality (right femur) and the presence of nonunion.
• This "K" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter for a fracture with nonunion; do not use for initial care or routine follow-up of a healing fracture.