Displ transverse fx l patella, 7thJ

This code signifies a fracture of the left kneecap that has broken into two or more pieces and is no longer in its normal anatomical alignment. It specifically indicates an open fracture, meaning the skin and soft tissue were significantly damaged, exposing the bone, and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a displaced, open transverse fracture of the left patella that was initially classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the physician documents delayed healing. This would include subsequent visits for wound care, cast changes, or monitoring of the fracture's progress when healing is not proceeding as anticipated.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "delayed healing" for this specific fracture type.
• Verify the laterality (left) and the specific fracture type (transverse, displaced, open IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a different code.