Displ artic fx head of unsp femr, 7thN

This code describes a situation where the rounded top portion of the thigh bone, which forms part of the hip joint, has broken and the broken pieces are no longer in their proper alignment. This specific instance refers to a previously treated open fracture (where the bone broke through the skin) of a severe nature (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that has failed to heal properly, indicating a nonunion.

This code is appropriate for use in follow-up encounters for patients who have undergone initial treatment for a severe open articular fracture of the femoral head and are now presenting with evidence of nonunion. It signifies ongoing management of a complicated healing process. This would be used when the patient is being seen for continued care, assessment of healing, or planning for further intervention due to the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the original fracture was an "open articular fracture of the femoral head" of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Verify this is a "subsequent encounter" for the nonunion, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Confirm the laterality of the femur (left or right) is not specified in the medical record to justify "unspecified."