Unsp physeal fx lower end of l femur, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of the growth plate (physis) at the lower end of the left thigh bone, where the specific type of physeal fracture is not documented. Importantly, this code is used when the fracture has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion, and the patient is presenting for follow-up care related to this ongoing healing issue.

Apply this code for a patient presenting for a subsequent visit concerning an unhealed, unspecified growth plate fracture of the distal left femur. This is appropriate when the physician explicitly documents nonunion of the fracture and the encounter is for continued management or evaluation of this complication.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the "left femur" and "lower end."
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care related to the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• Do not use if the specific Salter-Harris type of physeal fracture is documented; a more specific code would be required.