Oth physeal fx lower end of l femur, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a fracture of the growth plate (physis) at the lower end of the left thigh bone, excluding epiphyseal separation. The fracture has healed improperly, resulting in a malunion, and the patient is presenting for follow-up care or treatment related to this complication.

Use this code for a patient who has previously sustained a physeal fracture of the distal left femur, and during a subsequent encounter, the physician documents that the fracture has healed with a deformity or misalignment (malunion). This applies to ongoing management, assessment, or intervention for the malunited fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left femur," "lower end," and "physeal fracture."
• The "P" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter for a fracture with malunion, so confirm this status in the medical record.
• Distinguish from nonunion (K) or routine follow-up without complications (D).