Displ pilon fx unsp tibia, 7thJ

This code describes a specific type of ankle fracture, known as a pilon fracture, where the weight-bearing surface of the tibia is broken and the bone fragments are out of alignment. It further specifies that this is an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and that the healing process is taking longer than expected.

Use this code for follow-up encounters with a patient who has previously been treated for a displaced pilon fracture of an unspecified tibia that was an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and is now experiencing delayed healing. This code is appropriate when the patient is still under active treatment for the delayed union or nonunion of this specific fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for this open pilon fracture.
• Verify the fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) was previously documented for the initial encounter.
• Confirm the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.