Nondisp commnt fx unsp patella, 7thJ

This code signifies a comminuted fracture of the patella that is not displaced, meaning the bone fragments remain in their anatomical position. It specifically applies to an open fracture (where the bone breaks through the skin) classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and indicates that the patient is in a subsequent phase of care due to delayed healing of the fracture.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient with a previously diagnosed nondisplaced comminuted patellar fracture that was initially an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This code is appropriate when the healing process is prolonged beyond the expected timeframe, requiring continued medical management.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and "comminuted" for the patellar fracture.
• Verify the initial open fracture was classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC and that the encounter is for delayed healing.
• This code requires an associated external cause code to describe the circumstances of the injury.