Oth fx shaft of rad, l arm, 7thN

This code signifies a nonunion of an open fracture of the shaft of the left radius, specifically an open fracture classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. Nonunion indicates that the bone has failed to heal completely after a previous fracture, requiring further medical attention.

This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters when a patient presents with a documented nonunion of a previously treated open fracture of the left radial shaft. It is used when the initial open fracture was severe, categorized as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would typically involve ongoing management, such as surgical intervention for nonunion or continued follow-up.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "left" radius.
• Verify the original open fracture was classified as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the fracture would use a different code.