Displ seg fx shaft of l tibia, subs for clos fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the shaft of the left tibia that has broken into at least three pieces (segmental) and is no longer in its normal anatomical alignment. The patient is in a later phase of treatment for this fracture, and the bone is not healing at the expected rate.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being managed for a previously diagnosed segmental fracture of the left tibial shaft that remains displaced and is exhibiting delayed healing. This would include situations where the patient is undergoing continued immobilization, physical therapy, or considering further interventions due to the slow healing process.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left tibia," "shaft," "segmental," and "displaced" for accurate coding.
• The "G" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter with delayed healing; verify the healing status in the medical record.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures that are healing normally or nonunion.