Fracture of bony thorax, part unsp, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified part of the bony thorax (ribs, sternum, or thoracic vertebrae) that is currently in a healing phase, but the healing process is slower than expected. It indicates that the patient has previously been treated for this fracture and is now presenting for follow-up care related to the delayed union.

Use this code for patients presenting for an office visit, imaging, or other follow-up care for a thoracic fracture where the initial treatment has occurred, but the fracture has not healed within the anticipated timeframe. This applies when the specific bone involved in the thorax fracture is not documented.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" or "delayed union" for the fracture.
• Verify that this is a subsequent encounter, not the initial treatment for the fracture.
• If the specific bone (e.g., rib, sternum) is documented, a more specific code from S22.0-S22.4 should be used instead.