Displ bimalleol fx l low leg, subs for clos fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture involving both the medial and lateral malleoli of the left ankle, where the bone fragments are not properly aligned. Crucially, the fracture has failed to heal after an initial treatment, and the patient is presenting for ongoing management of this nonunion.

Apply this code when a patient with a previously diagnosed and treated displaced bimalleolar fracture of the left lower leg returns for care related to the nonunion of that fracture. This would include follow-up appointments, evaluations for further intervention (e.g., surgery, bone grafting), or management of complications arising from the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the "left" lower leg and "bimalleolar" involvement.
• Verify the fracture was initially "displaced" and that this is a "subsequent encounter" for care.
• Distinguish from malunion, which implies healing in an incorrect position, whereas nonunion indicates a complete failure to heal.