Displ pilon fx l tibia, 7thJ

This code signifies a displaced fracture of the distal end of the left tibia, specifically a pilon fracture, that has broken through the skin (open fracture types IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). The patient is in a subsequent phase of care, and the fracture is experiencing delayed healing.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously treated open pilon fracture of the left tibia is still undergoing treatment, and the physician documents that the healing process is taking longer than expected. This includes situations where the patient is receiving ongoing cast changes, wound care, or surgical interventions related to the delayed union.

• Always confirm the laterality (left) and the specific fracture type (pilon, displaced, open IIIA/B/C).
• Ensure documentation clearly states "delayed healing" and that this is a "subsequent encounter."
• Do not use for initial treatment or for nonunion/malunion, which have separate codes.