Nondisp osteochon fx l patella, 7thM

This code describes a specific type of knee injury involving a fracture of both bone and cartilage in the left kneecap, where the bone fragments are still in their normal alignment. It indicates that the patient is receiving follow-up care for an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) that was initially classified as Type I or II, and the fracture has not healed as expected.

Use this code for a patient presenting for ongoing treatment of a previously diagnosed nondisplaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella, where the initial injury was an open fracture (Type I or II), and there is documented evidence of nonunion. This would apply to follow-up visits, cast changes, or evaluations for further intervention due to the lack of healing.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left patella" and "nondisplaced osteochondral fracture."
• Verify that the encounter is for a "subsequent encounter" and that "nonunion" is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the medical record.
• Confirm the original injury was an "open fracture type I or II" to justify the specific nonunion code.