Displ apophyseal fx l femr, 7thH

This code describes a fracture involving the growth plate or an apophysis (a bony outgrowth where tendons attach) of the left femur that is no longer in its anatomical position. It specifically indicates that the fracture was initially an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of type I or II severity, and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

This code is used for follow-up encounters when a patient is receiving ongoing care for a previously diagnosed displaced apophyseal fracture of the left femur. The initial injury must have been an open fracture of type I or II, and the physician's documentation should clearly indicate delayed healing. This code would be appropriate for clinic visits, cast changes, or imaging studies performed during the prolonged healing phase.

• Ensure documentation specifies "delayed healing" for this subsequent encounter.
• Verify the initial fracture was an "open fracture type I or II" of the left femur's apophysis.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures that are healing normally.