Disp fx of fourth metatarsal bone, r foot, init for opn fx

This code signifies a break in the fourth metatarsal bone of the right foot where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal alignment. It specifically indicates that the skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture site have been compromised, exposing the bone to the outside environment. This is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific injury.

Apply this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, open, and displaced fracture of the right fourth metatarsal. This would include scenarios such as a crush injury or direct trauma resulting in a visible wound communicating with the bone. It is appropriate for the initial surgical or non-surgical management of the injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "open" for the fourth metatarsal of the right foot.
• Verify that this is indeed the initial encounter for treatment of this specific fracture. Subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Always code the associated external cause of injury code (V00-Y99) to provide a complete picture of the incident.