Nondisp seg fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thJ

This code describes a fracture involving multiple segments of the tibial shaft that has not shifted from its normal alignment. It specifically indicates that the fracture was initially an open fracture (meaning the bone broke through the skin) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is now in a phase of delayed healing. The location of the tibia is not specified.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed nondisplaced segmental open fracture of the tibial shaft, and the healing process is taking longer than expected. This applies when the initial open fracture was classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This code is appropriate when the specific tibia (left or right) is not documented.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nondisplaced," "segmental," and "delayed healing" for an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Verify the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment.
• If the specific tibia (left or right) is documented, a more specific code should be used.