Nondisp fx of base of MC bone, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture at the base of a metacarpal bone, excluding the thumb, that is not displaced. The patient is in a later stage of recovery, and the bone is not healing as quickly as expected. This indicates a complication in the healing process of the fracture.

Use this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed nondisplaced metacarpal base fracture (excluding the thumb) and the physician documents delayed healing. This typically occurs after initial treatment and during subsequent visits where the fracture site is still not showing expected signs of union.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "delayed healing" for a nondisplaced fracture of a metacarpal base (other than the thumb).
• Verify that this is a subsequent encounter, not the initial treatment for the fracture.
• Always code with an external cause code (e.g., V00-Y99) if the cause of the fracture is known and documented.