Nondisp apophyseal fx l femur, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code signifies a fracture of the growth plate (apophysis) in the left femur that has not shifted from its normal position. It specifically applies to an open fracture, meaning the skin and soft tissue were broken, exposing the bone, and is further categorized as a severe open fracture (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). This code is used for the initial treatment phase of such an injury.

Apply this code when documenting the initial encounter for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, non-displaced apophyseal fracture of the left femur that is an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would include situations requiring initial surgical intervention, wound debridement, or stabilization of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and identifies the "left femur" and "apophyseal" nature of the fracture.
• Verify that the physician's notes explicitly state the Gustilo-Anderson classification as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC for the open fracture.
• Remember the "C" suffix indicates an initial encounter; subsequent care would require a different seventh character.