Displaced pilon fx r tibia, subs for clos fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the distal tibia involving the articular surface of the ankle joint, specifically on the right side, where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal anatomical alignment. The patient is in a phase of recovery following initial treatment, but the healing process is progressing slower than expected for a closed fracture.

Utilize this code for follow-up encounters with patients who have sustained a displaced pilon fracture of the right tibia, and the physician documents delayed union of the closed fracture. This applies after the initial treatment phase, such as cast application or surgical fixation, when the patient is still under active care for the fracture's healing.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "right tibia" for the pilon fracture.
• Confirm the encounter is for a "subsequent encounter" and that "delayed healing" of a "closed fracture" is explicitly noted.
• Do not use for initial treatment or for nonunion, which would require a different subsequent encounter code.