Oth fx lower end of r femur, subs for clos fx w delay heal

Other fracture of lower end of right femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a fracture affecting the lower portion of the right thigh bone, excluding specific condylar or supracondylar types. The fracture is currently in a delayed healing phase, meaning the expected timeframe for bone union has passed, but the fracture has not yet fully healed. This indicates ongoing medical management for the non-united bone.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is receiving care for a previously diagnosed closed fracture of the lower right femur, and the physician has documented delayed healing. This would include situations where the patient is undergoing continued immobilization, physical therapy, or other interventions aimed at promoting bone union beyond the typical healing period.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for a closed fracture of the lower right femur.
Verify the encounter is subsequent to the initial fracture treatment.
Distinguish from nonunion (S72.491K) or malunion (S72.491P) which represent different healing complications.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.491Other fracture of lower end of right femur

S72.491G(current)

Crosswalks

V54.15ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S72Fracture of femur S72.0Fracture of head and neck of femur S72.00Fracture of unspecified part of neck of femur S72.001Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur S72.001AFracture of unsp part of neck of right femur, init