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

This code signifies a Colles' fracture, a specific type of distal radius fracture, affecting the left arm. The fracture was initially open (meaning the skin was broken) and has subsequently healed incorrectly, resulting in a malunion. This indicates a past injury that has not aligned properly during the healing process.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for complications arising from a malunited Colles' fracture of the left radius, which was originally an open fracture type I or II. This could include evaluations for pain, limited range of motion, or surgical planning to correct the malunion. It is used after the initial healing phase, when the improper alignment has been identified.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" radius and "Colles' fracture."
• Verify the original fracture was an "open fracture type I or II" and that "malunion" is present.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the fracture would use a different code.