Disp fx of distal phalanx of left thumb, init for opn fx

This code signifies a break in the outermost bone of the left thumb, where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal alignment. The fracture is open, meaning there is a wound that communicates with the fracture site, exposing the bone to the outside environment. This code is specifically for the initial treatment of such an injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial encounter for a patient presenting with a displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the left thumb that has broken through the skin. This includes situations like a crush injury or a laceration directly over the fracture site. It should be used when the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture.

• Always confirm laterality (left thumb) and the specific phalanx (distal) from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "displaced" and "open fracture" to support the use of this specific code.
• The "B" in the seventh character indicates an initial encounter for an open fracture; subsequent encounters would require a different seventh character.