2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.332F
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes - Injuries to the elbow and forearm 19 Feed
Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of left radius, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with routine healing.
Medical necessity for follow-up care is established by the nature of the initial injury and the need to monitor healing, assess for complications, and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Open fractures, particularly higher Gustilo grades, require close monitoring due to the risk of infection and delayed healing.
Providers diagnose this condition through physical examination, patient history, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scan). Treatment can range from conservative measures like splinting or casting to surgical intervention for open or unstable fractures. Pain management and rehabilitation are also important aspects of care.
In simple words: This code refers to a follow-up visit for a broken left forearm bone (radius) that went through the skin.It was a bad break (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) but is healing as expected.
A displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left radius is a break in the radius bone, where the break line runs diagonally across the shaft.This specific code indicates an open fracture, meaning the bone was exposed through a skin laceration, and is classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to the Gustilo classification.The Gustilo classification describes the severity of open fractures based on the extent of soft tissue damage. This code is used for subsequent encounters, meaning it's not for the initial visit when the fracture occurred, and indicates the fracture is healing normally.
Example 1: A patient had an open oblique fracture of the left radius shaft classified as Gustilo type IIIA treated two weeks ago and now presents for a follow-up evaluation with the orthopedic surgeon. The fracture is healing normally., A patient initially presented with an open, displaced oblique fracture of the left radial shaft (Gustilo type IIIB). They underwent surgical repair and now present for a post-operative check-up. The wound is healing well, and there are no signs of infection., A patient sustained multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident, including an open oblique fracture of their left radius (Gustilo IIIC). After initial surgery and wound debridement, they now return for a follow-up evaluation to monitor healing progress. The fracture is healing without complications.
Documentation should include details of the initial injury, type of fracture (including Gustilo classification), treatment provided (e.g., surgical intervention, casting), and the current healing status. Subsequent encounter documentation should focus on the progress of healing, any complications, and ongoing treatment plan.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital