Unsp physl fx upper end unsp fibula, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of the growth plate (physis) at the top of the fibula, where the specific location or type of fracture is not documented. It indicates that the patient is in a subsequent phase of care for this injury, and the fracture has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion.

Use this code for follow-up encounters when a patient presents with an unhealed physeal fracture of the proximal fibula, and the medical record lacks details regarding the specific fracture pattern. This applies when the physician is managing the nonunion, such as during evaluations for surgical intervention or continued conservative management.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" for this subsequent encounter.
• Verify that the fracture is indeed of the physis (growth plate) and located at the upper end of the fibula.
• If the specific type of physeal fracture (e.g., Salter-Harris type) or laterality is known, a more specific code should be used.