Oth fx l low leg, subs for opn fx type 3A/B/C w delay heal

Other fracture of left lower leg, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a fracture in the lower left leg, excluding the ankle or specific tibia/fibula shaft fractures, that is currently undergoing treatment for delayed healing. The initial injury was an open fracture, classified as severe (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), meaning there was significant soft tissue damage and bone exposure.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed and treated open lower leg fracture (excluding ankle/specific tibia/fibula shaft) that is not healing as expected. This includes situations where the patient is receiving ongoing treatment such as bone stimulation, repeat surgical intervention for nonunion, or prolonged immobilization due to delayed union.

💡Coding Tips

Requires a seventh character "J" for subsequent encounter with delayed healing.
Ensure documentation clearly specifies the fracture location, the open nature of the initial injury (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and the delayed healing status.
Do not use for initial encounter or for fractures that are healing normally.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S82.892Other fracture of left lower leg

S82.892J(current)

Crosswalks

V54.16ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S82Fracture of lower leg, including ankle S82.0Fracture of patella S82.00Unspecified fracture of patella S82.001Unspecified fracture of right patella S82.001AUnsp fracture of right patella, init for clos fx