Fracture of one rib, left side, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of a single rib on the patient's left side that has failed to heal properly after an initial treatment attempt. Nonunion indicates that the bone ends have not united and are not expected to do so without further intervention. This diagnosis is typically made after a period of observation and imaging studies.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a left-sided rib fracture that has been definitively diagnosed as a nonunion. This includes visits for ongoing management, evaluation for surgical intervention, or conservative treatment of the nonunion. It should be used after the initial healing period has passed and nonunion has been confirmed.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the left side.
• Verify this is a subsequent encounter, not the initial treatment for the fracture.
• Do not use this code for malunion, which implies healing in a misaligned position.