Smith's fracture of r radius, subs for clos fx w malunion

This code signifies a Smith's fracture, also known as a reverse Colles' fracture, affecting the right radius, where the distal fragment is displaced volarly. The fracture has previously been treated and is currently in a healing phase, but with an unsatisfactory alignment of the bone fragments (malunion). This indicates ongoing management of the fracture and its complication.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed and managed Smith's fracture of the right radius that has healed, or is healing, in a malunited position. This includes visits for assessment of the malunion, planning for corrective procedures, or ongoing conservative management of the malunion. It would not be used for the initial treatment of the fracture or for a fracture that is healing normally.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "right radius" and "Smith's fracture" to differentiate from other distal radius fractures.
• Confirm the encounter is for a "subsequent encounter" and that "malunion" is explicitly documented as a complication.
• Do not use this code for nonunion; a different code exists for that complication.