Path fx in oth disease, l tibia, subs for fx w routn heal

This code signifies a fracture of the left tibia that occurred due to an underlying disease process, not from trauma, and is currently in a healing phase. The patient is receiving follow-up care for this fracture, which is progressing routinely towards recovery. The underlying disease contributing to the bone's fragility is not specified by this code itself.

Use this code for a patient presenting for a follow-up visit for a left tibial pathological fracture, where the fracture is healing as expected. Documentation should clearly state "pathological fracture," specify the left tibia, and indicate "subsequent encounter" with "routine healing." This code is appropriate when the initial treatment has been completed and the patient is in the recovery phase.

• Always code the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture first, if known and still active.
• Ensure documentation specifies "routine healing" for the 7th character 'D'. If healing is delayed, nonunion, or malunion, a different 7th character would be required.
• Distinguish from traumatic fractures; this code is specifically for fractures due to disease.