Colles' fx left radius, subs for opn fx type I/2 w nonunion

This code signifies a specific type of wrist fracture, a Colles' fracture, affecting the left radius. It indicates that the fracture is an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of either Type I or Type II severity, and importantly, it is not healing properly (nonunion) during a follow-up visit.

This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed open Colles' fracture of the left radius is being treated for nonunion. This would include follow-up appointments, cast changes, or surgical interventions aimed at addressing the non-healing fracture. It should be used after the initial treatment phase for the acute fracture.

• Always confirm the laterality (left radius) and the specific fracture type (Colles') from the clinical documentation.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "nonunion" and that the original fracture was an "open fracture type I or II."
• This code is for subsequent encounters; use the appropriate initial encounter code for the acute injury.