Disp fx of shaft of MC bone, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture in the shaft of any metacarpal bone, excluding the thumb, that has become displaced. The patient is in a subsequent phase of care, and the fracture is experiencing delayed healing, meaning it is not progressing to union at the expected rate.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed displaced fracture in the shaft of a metacarpal (other than the first), and the physician documents that the healing process is slower than anticipated. This would typically involve ongoing treatment, such as cast changes, physical therapy, or consideration of further interventions due to the delayed union.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "displaced" and "delayed healing" for the metacarpal shaft fracture.
• Verify the specific metacarpal involved is not the thumb (first metacarpal).
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a different seventh character.