Fracture of oth skull and facial bones, left side, 7thK

This code describes a non-healing fracture of a specified skull or facial bone (excluding nasal, orbital floor, or malar/maxillary) located on the left side of the patient's head. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing treatment for this fracture, which has failed to unite properly.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being managed for a previously diagnosed left-sided skull or facial bone fracture (other than nasal, orbital floor, or malar/maxillary) that has not healed. Documentation should clearly state "nonunion" and specify the left side and the particular bone involved.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nonunion" and the specific left-sided skull or facial bone involved.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a code with an "A" (initial) seventh character.
• Distinguish from malunion (S02.82XN) or routine healing (S02.82XP).