Nondisp fx of lateral malleolus of unsp fibula, 7thM

This code describes a non-displaced break in the lateral malleolus (the outer ankle bone) of an unknown fibula, which was initially an open fracture (skin broken) of either Type I or Type II severity. The current encounter is for the ongoing management of this fracture because it is not healing properly (nonunion).

This code is used when a patient presents for follow-up care of a lateral malleolus fracture that was initially open, but the fracture fragments are still in their normal anatomical position. It specifically applies when the physician documents that the bone is failing to heal as expected. This code would be appropriate for subsequent visits involving cast changes, wound care, or assessment of nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and "nonunion" for the lateral malleolus.
• Confirm the initial injury was an "open fracture type I or II" to justify the "M" seventh character.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures that are healing normally.