Displ commnt fx shaft of l femr, 7thM

This code describes a complex fracture of the main part of the left thigh bone that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its proper alignment. It specifically indicates that the fracture was initially an open fracture (meaning the bone broke through the skin) of either Type I or Type II, and the bone fragments are failing to heal together properly after the initial treatment.

Use this code for a patient who is receiving ongoing treatment for a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the left femur. This applies when the initial injury was an open fracture (Type I or II), and the physician has documented nonunion, indicating a failure of the bone to heal. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits, cast changes, or further surgical interventions related to the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" femur, "shaft," "comminuted," and "displaced."
• Verify that the original injury was an "open fracture type I or II" and that "nonunion" is explicitly documented.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter code would be used for the first treatment of the fracture.