Disp fx of proximal phalanx of thmb, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a thumb injury involving a displaced break in the bone closest to the hand (proximal phalanx) where the specific thumb (left or right) is not documented. It indicates that the patient is presenting for follow-up care of this fracture, and the bone has healed incorrectly, resulting in a malunion.

Use this code when a patient presents for treatment of a previously diagnosed displaced proximal phalanx fracture of an unspecified thumb that has healed in a misaligned position. This applies to subsequent visits where the malunion is being addressed or monitored.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "malunion" and that the encounter is subsequent to the initial injury.
• Verify laterality (left/right thumb) is truly unspecified in the medical record before using an "unspecified" code.
• Confirm the fracture is of the proximal phalanx, not the distal or middle phalanx.