Flail chest, subs encntr for fracture with delayed healing

This code signifies a severe chest wall injury characterized by paradoxical motion of a segment of the rib cage due to multiple rib fractures, specifically when the patient is in the healing phase and the fractures are not progressing as expected. It indicates that the initial injury has occurred, and the patient is now presenting for follow-up care related to the ongoing, slower-than-anticipated bone repair.

Use this code for patients who have previously been diagnosed with flail chest and are now receiving treatment or evaluation for the delayed union or non-union of the associated rib fractures. This typically applies to follow-up appointments, hospital admissions for complications of delayed healing, or when assessing the need for further intervention.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" or similar terminology for the rib fractures associated with the flail chest.
• This code is for subsequent encounters, not the initial injury.
• Verify the encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) aligns with the 7th character.