Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of r calcaneus, 7thG

This code describes a specific type of growth plate fracture (Salter-Harris Type IV) affecting the right heel bone (calcaneus) in a patient who is currently experiencing delayed healing of the fracture. This indicates that the initial treatment has occurred, but the bone is not mending at the expected rate.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously diagnosed Salter-Harris Type IV fracture of the right calcaneus is being monitored for delayed union. This applies when the physician documents that the fracture is not healing within the anticipated timeframe, but there is no evidence of nonunion or malunion yet.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" and not nonunion or malunion, which have distinct codes.
• Verify the laterality (right calcaneus) and the specific Salter-Harris type (Type IV) are explicitly stated in the medical record.
• This code requires an associated external cause code if the cause of the fracture is known and documented.