Pathological fracture, unsp femur, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a pathological fracture of an unspecified femur that has failed to heal properly after initial treatment. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. The "subsequent encounter" indicates the patient is receiving routine care during the healing or recovery phase for the nonunion.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a pathological femoral fracture that has not united, and the specific femur (left or right) is not documented. This includes situations where the patient is undergoing treatment for the nonunion, such as bone stimulation, revision surgery planning, or monitoring. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "femur," and "nonunion" in the context of a subsequent encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" to differentiate from traumatic fractures.
• Confirm "nonunion" is explicitly stated; do not use for delayed union or malunion.
• This code requires a seventh character of "K" for subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion.