Unspecified fracture of unspecified hand, 7thP

This code signifies a follow-up encounter for a fracture of an unknown bone in an unspecified hand that has healed improperly. Malunion indicates that the bone fragments have united in a deformed position, potentially leading to functional impairment. The exact location and nature of the original fracture are not documented.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents for ongoing management or evaluation of a previously sustained, unspecified hand fracture that has healed with a deformity. It should be used for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment, specifically when malunion is identified and documented.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "malunion" and that the encounter is for follow-up care.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific hand bone (e.g., phalanx, metacarpal) is identified; instead, use a more precise S62 subcategory.
• This code requires a 7th character of "P" for subsequent encounter with malunion; do not use for initial care or routine healing.