Nondisp transverse fx l patella, 7thJ

This code signifies a left patella fracture that is transverse and has not shifted out of alignment. It specifically indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture (type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and the patient is now in a phase of delayed healing following the initial treatment.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously treated open transverse patellar fracture of the left knee is experiencing slower-than-expected healing. It would be used when the fracture remains nondisplaced, and the focus of care is on managing the delayed healing process.

• Ensure documentation specifies "delayed healing" for an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Verify the fracture is explicitly stated as "nondisplaced" and "transverse" to the left patella.
• Confirm this is a subsequent encounter, not the initial treatment for the fracture.