Path fx in oth disease, l hand, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the left hand that occurred due to an underlying disease process, rather than trauma. The "G" seventh character indicates that the patient is in the healing phase, but the fracture is not progressing as expected, requiring ongoing medical attention.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a left hand fracture resulting from a pathological condition (e.g., osteoporosis, bone tumor, metabolic bone disease) and the patient is presenting for follow-up care due to delayed healing. This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment of the fracture.

• Requires documentation of both the pathological nature of the fracture and delayed healing.
• Always sequence the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first.
• Distinguish from nonunion (M84.3-) or malunion (M84.4-) which have their own specific codes.