Nondisp longitud fx l patella, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code describes a specific type of patellar fracture where the bone is broken lengthwise but the fragments remain in their anatomical position. It further specifies that the fracture is exposed to the external environment, falling under Gustilo-Anderson classification Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and represents the initial treatment phase.

Apply this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, non-displaced longitudinal fracture of the left patella that has an associated open wound. This is appropriate for the initial hospital admission or outpatient visit where definitive treatment for the fracture and open wound is initiated.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and "longitudinal" for the patellar fracture.
• Verify the open fracture is classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to Gustilo-Anderson criteria.
• This "C" encounter code is only for the initial treatment phase; subsequent care will require different encounter characters.