Oth fx upr end l tibia, 7thH

This code signifies a fracture of the upper portion of the left tibia, excluding the condyles, that was initially an open fracture (Type I or II) and is now being managed during a subsequent visit due to delayed healing. It indicates that the bone is not mending at the expected rate for this type of injury.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously diagnosed open fracture (Type I or II) of the proximal left tibia is presenting with evidence of delayed union. This applies when the healing process is slower than anticipated, but not yet classified as nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for an open fracture of the upper left tibia.
• Verify the initial fracture was indeed an open fracture, Type I or II, as this impacts the seventh character.
• Do not use if the fracture has progressed to nonunion; a different seventh character would be required.