Oth fx low end l tibia, 7thH

This code signifies a fracture of the lower portion of the left tibia, excluding the malleoli, that was initially an open fracture (Type I or II) and is now being managed in a subsequent encounter due to delayed healing. It indicates that the bone is not mending at the expected rate for this type of injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed open fracture of the distal left tibia, and the physician documents that the healing process is prolonged or stalled. This would include scenarios where additional interventions, such as bone stimulation or revision surgery, are being considered or performed due to non-union or delayed union.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" tibia and "lower end" (distal, but not ankle malleolus).
• Verify the initial injury was an "open fracture type I or II" and that healing is explicitly noted as "delayed."
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for this specific fracture with delayed healing would use a different code.