Displ seg fx shaft of ulna, r arm, 7thK

This code signifies a fracture of the right ulna's shaft that has broken into multiple pieces (segmental) and is no longer properly aligned (displaced). The "subsequent encounter" indicates the patient is receiving follow-up care for this fracture, which has not healed as expected and is now considered a nonunion, meaning the bone fragments have failed to unite after a reasonable period. The "closed fracture" specifies that the skin over the fracture site remains intact.

This code is appropriate for encounters where a patient with a previously diagnosed and treated displaced segmental fracture of the right ulnar shaft is being managed for a nonunion. This would include follow-up appointments, imaging studies to assess nonunion, or discussions regarding further surgical intervention for the nonunion. It should be used after the initial treatment of the acute fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the right ulna, shaft, and segmental nature of the fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care of the nonunion, not the initial treatment of the acute fracture.
• Confirm the fracture is closed; if open, a different code from the S52.261 series would be appropriate.