Oth extrartic fx low end unsp rad, 7thN

This code describes a fracture at the lower end of the radius, outside of the joint, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. It specifically indicates that the fracture is an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the patient is being seen for ongoing treatment due to the fracture not healing properly (nonunion).

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient presents with an open, extraarticular distal radius fracture (type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that has failed to unite, and the laterality of the fracture is not specified in the medical record. This applies when the patient is receiving continued care for the nonunion, such as surgical intervention, casting changes, or wound management.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the Gustilo-Anderson open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• Verify that the encounter is for subsequent care of the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• If laterality (left or right) is documented, a more specific code should be used instead of this unspecified code.