Nondisp fx of fourth metatarsal bone, unsp foot, init

This code signifies a break in the fourth metatarsal bone of the foot that has not shifted out of its normal alignment. The specific foot (left or right) is not documented, and this is the first time the patient is receiving treatment for this particular injury, which involves intact skin over the fracture site.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a newly diagnosed, non-displaced fracture of the fourth metatarsal, and the medical record does not specify laterality. This is appropriate for initial encounters where the fracture is closed, meaning there is no open wound communicating with the bone.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nondisplaced" and identifies the "fourth metatarsal."
• Only use this code for the initial encounter for treatment of the fracture; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• If laterality (left or right foot) is documented, a more specific code should be selected.