2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.332J

Displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left radius, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing.

Adhere to official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate classification of the fracture type, delayed healing status, and any complications.Use secondary codes as needed to clarify the cause of injury.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and services provided.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a displaced oblique fracture of the left radius's shaft that is open (type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and exhibiting delayed healing despite previous treatment.The delayed union necessitates further assessment and management.

The clinical responsibility encompasses diagnosis through patient history, physical examination, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans). Treatment may involve pain management (analgesics, NSAIDs), immobilization (casts, splints), surgical intervention (internal fixation for unstable fractures, wound closure for open fractures), and physical therapy.

IMPORTANT Consider using additional codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to specify the cause of injury.If a retained foreign body is present, use code(s) from Z18.-.

In simple words: This code is used for a follow-up visit after a serious break in the larger bone of the left forearm (radius). The break is a diagonal one, and the skin was broken. This visit is because the bone is not healing as expected.

This code signifies a subsequent encounter for a displaced oblique fracture of the left radius's shaft.The fracture is classified as an open fracture (type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to the Gustilo classification), indicating a significant injury with possible complications like radial head dislocation, extensive soft tissue damage, multiple fragments, periosteal stripping, and nerve/vessel damage.This specific code addresses instances where healing is delayed.

Example 1: A patient presents for a follow-up appointment three months post-open reduction and internal fixation of a type IIIB open fracture of the left radius. The fracture shows delayed healing., A patient, initially treated for a type IIIA open fracture of the left radius, returns due to persistent pain and inflammation six weeks post-surgery and demonstrates delayed bone union., A patient sustains a high-energy injury (motorcycle accident) resulting in a comminuted open fracture of the left radius (type IIIC).After initial surgery, the patient returns for a delayed-union assessment.

Detailed history of the injury, operative notes (if applicable), radiographic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRI), progress notes documenting the delayed healing, and any complications.

** This code is specifically for subsequent encounters.The initial encounter would utilize a different code reflecting the initial diagnosis and treatment.Always ensure accurate documentation to support the use of this code.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: The application of a Technical Component (TC) modifier depends on the specific services performed and may not be needed for this code.
  • Fee Schedule : The historical fee schedule for this code would vary depending on the payer and year.
  • Specialties:Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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