Salter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of l calcaneus, init

This diagnosis code signifies a Salter-Harris Type III fracture affecting the growth plate (physis) of the left calcaneus (heel bone). This specific type of physeal fracture involves a break that extends through the physis and then exits through the epiphysis, but does not involve the metaphysis. It is considered a closed fracture, meaning the skin remains intact.

This code is appropriate for the initial encounter when a patient presents with a newly diagnosed Salter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of the left calcaneus. It should be used for the first time the patient is seen for this specific injury.

• Verify the fracture type (Salter-Harris Type III), location (left calcaneus), and encounter type (initial) from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "closed fracture" to support the specificity of this code.
• Differentiate from other Salter-Harris types and open fractures, which have distinct codes.