Displ commnt fx shaft of l tibia, 7thK

This code signifies a comminuted fracture of the shaft of the left tibia that has not healed properly (nonunion) and is currently displaced. It indicates that the patient is presenting for follow-up care or treatment related to this specific fracture, rather than the initial injury. The comminuted nature implies the bone is broken into multiple fragments.

Apply this code for a patient presenting for a subsequent visit related to a previously diagnosed comminuted, displaced fracture of the left tibial shaft that has failed to unite. This would include scenarios such as follow-up appointments for ongoing management, evaluation for surgical intervention for nonunion, or monitoring of conservative treatment for nonunion. It is used after the initial encounter for the acute injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and "displaced" for the left tibial shaft fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is "subsequent" and not the initial treatment for the acute fracture.
• Confirm the fracture is indeed comminuted and located in the shaft of the tibia.