Unsp fracture of sternum, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of the sternum where the specific location or type of fracture is not documented, and the bone has failed to heal properly after an initial treatment. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this unhealed sternal fracture.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care, such as clinic visits, imaging, or further surgical intervention, for a sternal fracture that has been previously treated but has not united. This is appropriate when the medical record does not specify if the fracture is displaced, nondisplaced, or the exact anatomical site on the sternum.

• Always sequence this code after the primary reason for the encounter if the nonunion is being actively managed.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and "subsequent encounter" for a sternal fracture.
• Do not use if the fracture is still in the initial healing phase or if the nonunion is not explicitly documented.