Sltr-haris Type II physeal fx lower end of left femur, init

This code signifies a specific growth plate fracture affecting the lower portion of the left thigh bone (femur) in a pediatric patient. It's a Salter-Harris Type II injury, meaning the fracture line extends through the growth plate and into the metaphysis (the wider part of the bone shaft adjacent to the growth plate), but does not involve the epiphysis (the end of the bone). This particular instance is an initial presentation of a closed fracture, where the skin remains intact.

Use this code for the initial encounter of a patient presenting with a Salter-Harris Type II fracture of the distal left femur. This applies when the fracture is confirmed by imaging (e.g., X-ray) and the skin is not broken. It is appropriate for the first time the patient is seen for treatment of this specific injury.

• Ensure the laterality (left femur) and fracture type (Salter-Harris Type II) are clearly documented.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific fracture. Subsequent care would use a different seventh character.
• Confirm the fracture is "closed" and not an open fracture, which would require a different code.