Fracture of one rib, unsp side, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a follow-up encounter for a patient experiencing a nonunion of a previously fractured single rib, where the specific side of the rib is not documented. Nonunion indicates that the bone has failed to heal completely after a typical healing period. This diagnosis reflects ongoing management of a complicated rib fracture.

Apply this code for patients presenting for follow-up care of a single rib fracture that has not healed, and the provider's documentation does not specify the side of the affected rib. This would be used during subsequent visits after the initial treatment for the fracture, when nonunion has been identified.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies a single rib fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• If the side of the rib is known, a more specific code from the S22.31-S22.32 series should be used.