Fracture of bony thorax, part unsp, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified part of the bony thorax (ribs, sternum, or thoracic spine) that has failed to heal properly after an initial injury. The patient is receiving ongoing care for this nonunion, indicating a persistent lack of bone healing.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up treatment of a previously diagnosed thoracic fracture that has not united. This includes situations where surgical intervention, casting, or other treatments are being performed to address the nonunion. It is appropriate for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment phase.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies a subsequent encounter for the fracture.
• If the specific bone of the thorax is known (e.g., rib, sternum), a more specific code from S22.0-S22.4 should be used with the appropriate seventh character for nonunion.
• Always sequence this code after any codes for the underlying cause of the fracture, if applicable and still being treated.