Displ seg fx shaft of rad, l arm, 7thN

This code signifies a non-healing fracture of the shaft of the left radius, specifically a displaced segmental break. It indicates that the fracture was initially an open fracture of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is now in a subsequent phase of care where the bone has failed to unite.

This code is appropriate for documenting ongoing treatment for a left radial shaft fracture that has not healed after initial management, particularly when the original injury involved significant soft tissue damage and bone exposure. It should be used during follow-up visits, surgical interventions for nonunion, or other encounters related to the delayed healing process.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "subsequent encounter" for this specific fracture.
• Verify the original open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is consistently documented in the patient's record.
• Do not use this code for initial encounters or for fractures that are healing normally.