Final answer:
The correct ICD-10-CM code for a 66-year-old with a nonunion of the scaphoid bone of the right wrist three months post-fracture is S62.001K.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate ICD-10-CM code for a 66-year-old who fractured her scaphoid bone in her right wrist three months ago and now presents with a nonunion of the scaphoid bone is S62.001K. This code is specific for a nonunion of a fracture of the scaphoid bone of the right wrist. Nonunion refers to a fracture that has not adequately healed and failed to consolidate after an extended period.
The scaphoid bone is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, usually due to a fall onto the hand. These fractures may be difficult to diagnose initially as deep pain in the wrist can be misinterpreted as a sprain. Poor blood supply can lead to slow healing, increasing the risk of nonunion and possible complications such as bone necrosis and degenerative joint disease. In the case described, since the fracture occurred three months ago and has not properly healed, the specific code for nonunion (indicated by the 'K' at the end of the ICD-10-CM code) should be used for accurate medical recording and billing.