Oth physl fx lower end of unsp tibia, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture affecting the growth plate (physis) at the lower end of the tibia, where the specific location within the physis is not documented. It indicates that the patient is in a later stage of care for this fracture, and the bone fragments have failed to unite properly.

Use this code for follow-up encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed, unspecified physeal fracture of the distal tibia is experiencing nonunion. This applies when the physician is managing the ongoing treatment of the nonunion, such as planning for revision surgery or monitoring conservative management.

• Requires a seventh character of "K" for subsequent encounter with nonunion.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and the fracture is of the distal tibia physis.
• Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures that have healed or are in routine healing.