Displ bicondylar fx unsp tibia, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code signifies a fracture involving both condyles of the tibia, where the bone fragments are not in their anatomical alignment. It specifically indicates an open fracture, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and the severity of the soft tissue damage is classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. This is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific injury.

This code is appropriate for the initial inpatient or outpatient encounter when a patient presents with a displaced bicondylar tibial fracture that has broken through the skin. The Gustilo-Anderson classification of the open wound must be documented as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC by the treating physician. This code is used for the primary treatment phase, including surgical repair or initial stabilization.

• Ensure physician documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "bicondylar" for the tibial fracture.
• Verify the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) for the open fracture is explicitly stated.
• Confirm this is the "initial encounter" for treatment; subsequent care will require a different seventh character.