Disp fx of olecran pro w/o intartic extn unsp ulna, 7thR

This code describes a fracture of the olecranon, the bony prominence at the tip of the elbow, that has shifted out of its normal alignment and does not extend into the elbow joint. This specific code is used when the fracture is an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and has healed incorrectly, resulting in a malunion. The affected ulna is not specified as left or right.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for complications arising from a previously sustained severe open olecranon fracture that has healed in a misaligned position. It indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture of a significant nature, and the current issue is the resulting malunion. This code would be used for subsequent visits related to managing or correcting this malunion.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC and a subsequent encounter for malunion.
• Verify that the fracture is of the olecranon process and explicitly states "without intraarticular extension."
• Do not use this code if the laterality (left or right ulna) is documented; a more specific code would be required.