Nondisp spiral fx shaft of ulna, unsp arm, 7thJ

This code describes a follow-up encounter for a spiral fracture in the shaft of the ulna, which is a long bone in the forearm. The fracture is nondisplaced, meaning the bone fragments are still in their normal alignment, and it was initially an open fracture of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). The healing process for this fracture is delayed.

Use this code when documenting subsequent care for a patient with a previously diagnosed open spiral ulnar shaft fracture that is not healing as expected. This applies to situations where the initial injury was a severe open fracture and the patient is now presenting for ongoing management of the delayed healing. This code is appropriate for any arm if the laterality is not specified.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" and specifies the initial fracture as an open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Verify that this is a subsequent encounter, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Confirm the fracture is of the ulna shaft and is nondisplaced.