Fracture of symphysis of mandible, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the mandibular symphysis that is currently undergoing treatment but is healing slower than expected. It indicates that the patient is in a follow-up phase for this specific type of jaw fracture, and the healing process is complicated by a delay.

Apply this code for patients presenting for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed symphysis of mandible fracture where the physician's documentation explicitly states "delayed healing." This is appropriate when the fracture has not united within the expected timeframe for normal bone healing. Documentation should include the site of the fracture, the delayed healing status, and the encounter type.

• Requires documentation of "delayed healing" for the symphysis of mandible fracture.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures healing normally.
• Sequence as a primary diagnosis when the delayed healing is the focus of the encounter.