Displ seg fx shaft of l tibia, 7thH

This code describes a specific type of left tibia fracture where the bone is broken into multiple pieces (segmental) and the broken ends are not aligned (displaced). It further specifies that the fracture broke through the skin (open fracture type I or II) and is currently in a phase of delayed healing, meaning it's taking longer than expected to mend.

This code is used for follow-up encounters when a patient is receiving ongoing treatment for a displaced segmental open fracture of the shaft of the left tibia, and the physician notes that the healing process is prolonged. This would apply during subsequent visits for cast changes, wound care, or assessment of healing progress when delayed union is identified.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left tibia," "segmental," "displaced," and "open fracture type I or II."
• Only use this code for subsequent encounters where delayed healing is explicitly documented.
• Verify the open fracture type (I or II) is documented; if not specified, query the provider.