Unsp fx lower end of l tibia, subs for clos fx w delay heal

This code signifies an unspecific break in the lower portion of the left shin bone, where the bone has not healed as expected after the initial injury. It indicates that the fracture is closed, meaning the skin remains intact, and the patient is currently undergoing treatment for this delayed healing.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a left distal tibia fracture that was initially treated as closed, but is now demonstrating delayed union. This would be used for subsequent visits where the physician is monitoring or actively managing the slow healing process.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" and specifies the "left tibia" and "lower end" (distal).
• Confirm the fracture was initially treated as closed; if it was open, a different code would be appropriate.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; the initial encounter for the fracture would use a different code.