Nondisp osteochon fx l patella, subs for clos fx w malunion

This code describes a specific type of knee injury involving a non-displaced fracture that affects both the bone and cartilage of the left kneecap. The fracture has previously occurred and is now being treated during a follow-up visit, with evidence of the bone healing in an imperfect or misaligned position.

This code is appropriate for documenting a patient's visit for ongoing management of a left patellar osteochondral fracture that was previously diagnosed. It specifically applies when imaging or clinical assessment indicates that the fracture has healed, but with an unsatisfactory alignment. This would be used for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment phase.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "left patella" and "osteochondral fracture."
• Verify that the encounter is for follow-up care and not the initial treatment.
• Confirm that the physician's notes explicitly mention "malunion" or describe healing with poor alignment.