Sltr-haris Type III physeal fx unspecified calcaneus, init

This code signifies a specific type of growth plate fracture in the heel bone (calcaneus) of a child or adolescent. A Salter-Harris Type III fracture involves a break that extends through the growth plate and into the end of the bone, but does not involve the bone shaft. This particular instance refers to an injury where the specific side of the calcaneus (left or right) is not documented.

Use this code for the initial treatment of a newly diagnosed Salter-Harris Type III fracture of the calcaneal physis when the laterality (left or right) is unknown or unspecified in the medical record. This applies to closed fractures, meaning the skin over the fracture is intact.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "Salter-Harris Type III" and "calcaneus."
• Only use this code for the initial encounter for treatment of the fracture.
• If laterality is documented (left or right), a more specific code should be used.