Nondisp commnt fx shaft of l tibia, 7thC

This code describes a fracture of the main part of the left shin bone (tibia) that has broken into multiple pieces (comminuted) but where the bone fragments are still in their normal alignment (nondisplaced). Crucially, the fracture has broken through the skin, indicating a severe open injury classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.

Use this code for initial encounters when documenting a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, comminuted, nondisplaced fracture of the left tibial shaft that is also an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This code is appropriate for the acute phase of treatment, including surgical repair or initial stabilization.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and "comminuted" for the tibial shaft fracture.
• Verify the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is explicitly stated by the physician.
• This code is for the "initial encounter" only; subsequent care will require a different encounter character.