Nondisp osteochon fx l patella, 7thN

This code signifies a non-displaced fracture involving both the bone and cartilage of the left kneecap, specifically when the fracture was initially an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). The "nonunion" aspect indicates that the fracture has failed to heal completely after the expected healing time.

This code is used for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed open osteochondral fracture of the left patella that has not healed. This includes situations where the patient is undergoing further surgical intervention, casting, or other treatments specifically for the nonunion of this severe open fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the initial open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• Verify the fracture is indeed "nondisplaced" and located on the "left patella."
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a different seventh character.