Fracture of base of skull, left side, 7thK

This code signifies a fracture located at the base of the skull on the left side that has failed to heal properly. The "subsequent encounter" indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this non-healing fracture, not the initial treatment. Nonunion implies that the bone fragments have not united after a reasonable healing period.

This code is appropriate for follow-up visits, rehabilitation, or further surgical interventions for a previously diagnosed left-sided skull base fracture that has developed nonunion. Documentation must clearly state "nonunion" or "failed healing" of the fracture and specify the left side of the skull base. It should be used when the patient is beyond the initial active treatment phase for the acute fracture.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "nonunion" and specifies the "left side" of the skull base.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment of the fracture; that would require an initial encounter code.
• Distinguish from malunion, where the fracture has healed but in an unsatisfactory position.