Displ bimalleol fx l low leg, subs for clos fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture involving both the medial and lateral malleoli of the left ankle, where the bone fragments are not in their anatomical alignment. The patient is in a subsequent phase of care, and the fracture, which was initially closed (skin intact), is now experiencing a slower-than-expected healing process.

This code is appropriate for documenting follow-up encounters for a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced bimalleolar fracture of the left lower leg. It specifically applies when the fracture has not yet fully united and the healing process is prolonged beyond the typical timeframe for this type of injury. This would be used after the initial treatment phase, during ongoing management.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" lower leg and "displaced" bimalleolar fracture.
• Verify the encounter is for "subsequent care" and that "delayed healing" is explicitly noted for a "closed" fracture.
• Do not use for initial treatment, malunion, nonunion, or open fractures.