Sltr-haris Type I physl fx upr end unsp fibula, 7thK

This code signifies a Salter-Harris Type I fracture affecting the growth plate at the upper end of the fibula, where the bone has failed to heal properly after an initial injury. This specific type of physeal fracture involves a separation of the epiphysis from the metaphysis through the growth plate itself, without bone involvement. The "nonunion" indicates that the fracture fragments have not united and healing has ceased.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed Salter-Harris Type I fracture of the proximal fibula that has not healed. It should be used when documentation explicitly states nonunion of the fracture, indicating a complication in the healing process. This code would be used for ongoing management, such as surgical intervention for nonunion or continued conservative management.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" for the fracture.
• Verify the fracture location is the "upper end of the fibula" and the Salter-Harris type is "Type I."
• This code is for a subsequent encounter, so it should not be used for the initial injury.