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

This code signifies a specific growth plate fracture in the left femur of a pediatric patient. It indicates a Salter-Harris Type III injury, meaning the fracture extends through the physis and epiphysis, but not the metaphysis, at the distal end of the bone. This type of fracture can impact future bone growth.

Use this code for the initial treatment of a closed Salter-Harris Type III fracture affecting the growth plate at the lower end of the left thigh bone. This applies when the skin over the fracture site remains intact and the patient is presenting for their first encounter related to this specific injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies a Salter-Harris Type III fracture and the lower end of the left femur.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for a "closed fracture." Subsequent encounters or open fractures will require different codes.
• Confirm the patient's age is appropriate for a physeal (growth plate) fracture.