Path fx in oth disease, unsp hand, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a pathological fracture of an unspecified hand bone that has not healed properly (nonunion) and is being treated in a subsequent encounter. A pathological fracture occurs due to an underlying disease weakening the bone, rather than from trauma.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is receiving ongoing care for a non-healing pathological fracture in their hand, and the specific bone or underlying disease is not documented. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," "nonunion," and "subsequent encounter."

• Ensure documentation specifies "nonunion" for the fracture healing status; otherwise, a different seventh character may be appropriate.
• Avoid using this code if the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture is known and documented; instead, code the specific disease first.
• This code requires a seventh character of 'K' for subsequent encounter with nonunion; do not use for initial treatment or routine healing.