Fracture of one rib, right side, init for opn fx

This diagnosis code indicates a break in a single rib on the patient's right side, where the skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture are also compromised, exposing the bone. It signifies the initial phase of treatment for this specific type of injury.

Apply this code when documenting the first encounter for a patient presenting with a right-sided rib fracture that is explicitly described as open. This is appropriate for initial evaluations, emergency department visits, or the first inpatient admission for this injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "right side" and "open fracture" for accurate code assignment.
• Verify that this is indeed the initial encounter for this specific injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Do not use for closed rib fractures or fractures involving multiple ribs.