Oth fx shaft of unsp femur, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code signifies an open fracture of the femoral shaft, not otherwise specified, where the bone has broken through the skin, indicating a significant soft tissue injury. The "type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC" specifies the severity of the open wound, ranging from moderate to severe soft tissue damage with periosteal stripping or arterial injury. This is an initial encounter, meaning the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed open fracture of the femoral shaft that is not further specified as to laterality (left or right). This applies when the Gustilo-Anderson classification of the open wound is documented as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the patient is in the initial phase of treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) for the open fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is for initial treatment; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• If laterality (left or right femur) is documented, a more specific code should be selected.