Displ commnt fx l patella, 7thH

This code signifies a complex fracture of the left kneecap where the bone has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its normal anatomical alignment. Furthermore, the fracture has broken through the skin (open fracture, Type I or II) and is experiencing a slower-than-expected healing process during a follow-up visit.

This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted open fracture (Type I or II) of the left patella is being treated for delayed union or non-union. It would be used during follow-up appointments where the physician is monitoring the healing progress and addressing the delayed nature of recovery.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "comminuted" for the patellar fracture.
• Verify the open fracture type (I or II) is documented, as this code is specific to those types.
• Confirm the encounter is for "delayed healing" and not initial treatment or routine follow-up without healing complications.