Oth fracture of left lower leg, subs for clos fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture in the lower portion of the left leg, excluding the ankle or malleoli, that has not healed properly and is being addressed in a follow-up encounter. The fracture itself is closed, meaning the skin remains intact over the injury site. The primary issue at this stage is the failure of the bone fragments to unite.

Apply this code when a patient presents for ongoing management or treatment of a left lower leg fracture (other than ankle/malleolar) that was previously diagnosed and is now complicated by nonunion. This would include situations where the patient is undergoing further evaluation, non-surgical interventions, or surgical procedures to address the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the left lower leg.
• Confirm the encounter is for follow-up care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Verify the fracture is explicitly described as "closed" in the medical record.