Displ seg fx shaft of l tibia, 7thQ

This code describes a specific type of tibia fracture where the left lower leg bone is broken in at least two places, creating a segment, and the broken pieces are not properly aligned. It indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture (skin broken), classified as Type I or II, and that the bone has healed incorrectly, resulting in malunion.

This code is used during follow-up encounters for a patient who previously sustained a displaced segmental open fracture (Type I or II) of the shaft of the left tibia, and the fracture has now healed in a misaligned position. It signifies that the malunion is being addressed or monitored.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left tibia," "segmental," "displaced," and "malunion."
• Verify the original fracture was an "open fracture type I or II" to justify this specific subsequent encounter code.
• Do not use for initial treatment or for nonunion; a different code would be appropriate for those scenarios.