Fracture of unsp phalanx of oth finger, init for opn fx

This code signifies a broken bone in an unspecified phalanx of a finger other than the thumb, where the skin has been broken, exposing the fracture to the outside environment. This is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial treatment of an open fracture involving any phalanx (proximal, middle, or distal) of the index, middle, ring, or little finger. It is used when the specific phalanx involved is not documented, and there is an open wound communicating with the fracture site.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "open fracture" and specifies a finger other than the thumb.
• If the specific phalanx (e.g., distal, proximal) is known, a more specific code should be used.
• This "B" encounter code is only for the initial treatment of the fracture. Subsequent care will require a different encounter character.