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

This code indicates a growth plate fracture at the lower end of the fibula, where the specific type of fracture is not documented. The encounter is for ongoing treatment of this fracture, which has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion. This implies a previous diagnosis and initial treatment for the same injury.

Use this code for follow-up visits when a patient is receiving care for a previously diagnosed, unspecified physeal fracture of the distal fibula that has not united. This applies to situations where the physician is managing the nonunion, such as discussing surgical intervention, monitoring healing progress, or prescribing further conservative treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the lower end of the fibula.
• Verify that this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• If the specific type of physeal fracture (e.g., Salter-Harris type) is known, a more specific code should be used.