Oth fx upper end of right tibia, subs for clos fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture in the upper portion of the right shin bone (tibia) that is not a specific type like a plateau or tuberosity fracture. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this fracture, which has failed to heal properly (nonunion), and the skin over the fracture site remains intact.

Apply this code when documenting follow-up visits for a patient with a previously diagnosed closed fracture of the upper right tibia, excluding condylar or tuberosity fractures, where the fracture has not united. This is appropriate for encounters where the physician is assessing the nonunion, planning further treatment, or managing complications related to the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and that the fracture is "closed."
• Verify the fracture location is the "upper end of the tibia" but not a more specific type (e.g., S82.12- for plateau).
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a code without the "K" seventh character.