Fx unsp carpal bone, unsp wrist, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified carpal bone in an unspecified wrist that has failed to heal properly after an initial treatment attempt. Nonunion indicates that the bone ends have not united and are not expected to do so without further intervention. This diagnosis implies ongoing management for the persistent fracture.

Use this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a carpal bone fracture where imaging or clinical assessment confirms nonunion. This applies to situations where the specific carpal bone involved was not documented or is unknown, and the affected wrist is also not specified. This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment of the fracture.

• This code requires a 7th character of "K" for subsequent encounter with nonunion.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and that the encounter is not the initial treatment.
• If the specific carpal bone or wrist is known, a more specific code should be used.