Oth fx unsp patella, subs for opn fx type I/2 w nonunion

This code signifies a non-healing fracture of the kneecap, where the specific location of the break on the patella is not documented. It indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) classified as Type I or II, and the patient is now being seen for ongoing treatment of the nonunion.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed open patellar fracture (Type I or II) is experiencing a nonunion. This would include situations where the bone fragments have failed to heal together after a reasonable amount of time, and the patient is undergoing further management, such as repeat imaging, surgical intervention for nonunion, or conservative treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies an "open fracture type I or II" for the initial injury.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the fracture would use a different code.
• Verify that the patellar fracture location is indeed "unspecified" if more specific documentation is not available.