Nondisp spiral fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thE

This code describes a spiral fracture of the tibial shaft that has not shifted out of alignment. It specifically indicates that this is a follow-up encounter for an open fracture (where the bone broke through the skin) of either Type I or Type II, and the healing process is proceeding as expected.

Use this code for subsequent encounters when a patient is receiving ongoing care for a previously diagnosed nondisplaced spiral fracture of the tibial shaft. This applies when the initial injury was an open fracture (Type I or II) and there are no complications in the healing process. This code would be appropriate for follow-up visits after initial treatment, such as cast changes or wound checks, as long as healing is routine.

• Ensure documentation specifies "nondisplaced" and "spiral" fracture of the tibial shaft.
• Verify the initial injury was an "open fracture type I or II" and that the encounter is "subsequent" with "routine healing."
• Do not use this code for initial encounters or if the fracture is displaced, comminuted, or has healing complications.