Unspecified fracture of unspecified hand, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a fracture of an unknown bone in an unspecified hand. It indicates that the acute phase of the original injury has passed, and the patient is now experiencing residual issues directly attributable to that past fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, limited range of motion, deformity) stemming from a previously sustained, but unspecified, hand fracture. This code is appropriate when the specific bone involved in the original fracture is not documented, and the encounter is for the management of the late effect.

• Always use this code with an additional code to describe the specific sequela (e.g., M20.00 for unspecified deformity of finger).
• Ensure the "S" seventh character is used for sequela, indicating a late effect of the injury.
• Avoid using this code for acute or initial treatment of a hand fracture; it is exclusively for residual conditions.