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

This code signifies a left tibia fracture that has broken into at least three pieces (segmental) and is no longer in its proper anatomical alignment. The fracture involves the main shaft of the bone, and despite previous treatment, the bone fragments have failed to heal together, indicating a nonunion.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously treated, closed, segmental shaft fracture of the left tibia that has not united. This includes situations where the nonunion is being assessed, monitored, or managed conservatively, or when preparing for further surgical intervention to address the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the "left tibia shaft" and "segmental" nature of the fracture.
• Verify that the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Confirm the fracture was initially closed; open fractures would require a different code.