Oth extrartic fx low end l rad, 7thN

This code signifies a fracture of the lower end of the left radius, located outside the joint, that is not one of the more common fracture types. It specifically indicates that this is a follow-up encounter for an open fracture (where the bone broke through the skin) classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the fracture has failed to heal properly (nonunion).

This code is appropriate for use when a patient presents for ongoing management of a previously sustained, complex open fracture of the distal left radius that is not healing. It should be selected for subsequent visits where the nonunion of this specific type of open fracture is the primary focus of care.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left radius," "extraarticular," and the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• Verify that the encounter is for a "subsequent" visit, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Confirm that the physician's notes explicitly state "nonunion" as the reason for the ongoing care.