{"id":183443,"date":"2026-08-18T11:11:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T11:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=183443"},"modified":"2026-08-18T11:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T11:11:22","slug":"icd-10-code-s72309n","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/","title":{"rendered":"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft fracture nonunion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft fracture nonunion\",\"description\":\"ICD-10 code S72.309N (Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion). Billing guidance, 7th character table, coding rules.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-20\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-20\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>S72.309N describes an unspecified fracture of the femoral shaft at a subsequent encounter, with an open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC nonunion.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The 7th character N means open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion, which separates it from K, M, and the malunion suffixes.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Code laterality as unspecified only when no document in the record names the right or left femur.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Nonunion must be confirmed by the treating surgeon at the current visit, not carried forward from an earlier note.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Practice management software like Pabau helps orthopedic practices capture that detail and track subsequent-encounter claims across the care episode.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ICD-10 code S72.309N<\/strong> is a billable diagnosis code for an unspecified fracture of the femoral shaft at a subsequent encounter. It applies when an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture has failed to unite and the record does not name the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">billable ICD-10-CM code<\/a> for fiscal year 2026 and is accepted on the CMS-1500 claim form. The table below shows the core attributes at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Attribute<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Detail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">ICD-10-CM code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Full description<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Billable and specific<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes, valid for FY 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">CMS-1500 eligible<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code category<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.3 Fracture of shaft of femur<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">7th character<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">N, subsequent encounter, open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code system<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ICD-10 Revisions: Stay Updated or Fall Behind\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bqAyb-BCA0w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-code-description-and-clinical-meaning-of-s72-309n\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Code description and clinical meaning of S72.309N<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every segment of ICD-10 code S72.309N carries distinct clinical meaning. Read the code from left to right and each component tells you what the documentation has to show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>S72<\/strong> &#8211; Fracture of femur, the parent category covering all femoral fractures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.3<\/strong> &#8211; Fracture of shaft of femur, the diaphysis rather than the neck or pertrochanteric region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.309<\/strong> &#8211; Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified femur, with laterality not documented<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N (7th character)<\/strong> &#8211; Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word \u00ab\u00a0unspecified\u00a0\u00bb appears twice in the description, and it refers to two different missing details. First, the fracture morphology is not specified, so the report does not distinguish displaced from nondisplaced or transverse from comminuted. Second, the side is not specified, so neither the right nor the left femur is documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both reflect what the record failed to capture, not a deliberate clinical choice. Nonunion itself means the fracture has not healed within the expected timeframe and shows no radiographic sign of progressive healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For billing, the surgeon&rsquo;s notes must state nonunion, or radiology must confirm absent bridging callus. Without that confirmation, S72.309N carries a medical necessity risk. Practices running orthopedic <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/claims-management-software\/\">claims management workflows<\/a> can catch a missing nonunion statement before the claim goes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/track-claims-from-start-to-finish.webp\" alt=\"Track claims from start to finish\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s claims tracking follows every subsequent-encounter claim from submission to payment, so a denied nonunion claim surfaces within days.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-the-7th-character-n-means-in-fracture-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the 7th character N means in fracture codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM requires a 7th character on every fracture code to capture the encounter type and the healing status. For S72.309, there are 16 valid options. The extension table below is worth keeping within reach for any femoral fracture claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">7th character<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Full code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Clinical meaning<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:center;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Billable<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">C<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309C<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">E<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309E<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with routine healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">F<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309F<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with routine healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">G<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309G<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with delayed healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with delayed healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">J<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309J<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>N<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>S72.309N<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">P<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309P<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sequela<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;text-align:center;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 7th character is not optional. Submitting S72.309 without one produces an invalid code that will be rejected at adjudication. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/icd-10-codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS ICD-10-CM coding guidelines<\/a>, the character reflects the encounter type and healing status at this visit, not at the original injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suffix S sits apart from the rest, because a sequela code describes a residual condition rather than the fracture itself, as in <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72124s\/\">S72.124S<\/a>. Coders who manage <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/physical-therapy-emr\/\">physical therapy EMR<\/a> workflows should build encounter-type verification into the post-visit documentation review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-gustilo-anderson-open-fracture-classification-explained\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gustilo-Anderson classification decides which 7th character applies to an open fracture. Developed in 1976 and refined in 1984, it grades open fractures by wound size, contamination, and soft tissue damage. The N suffix applies only to types IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Gustilo type<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Wound size<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Soft tissue injury<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Contamination<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">ICD-10 suffix<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type I<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Less than 1 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Minimal<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Low<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">B (initial), E\/H\/M\/Q (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">1-10 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Moderate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Moderate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">B (initial), E\/H\/M\/Q (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIA<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Greater than 10 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Extensive, with adequate periosteal coverage possible<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F\/J\/N\/R (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIB<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Greater than 10 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Periosteal stripping, with soft tissue coverage required<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F\/J\/N\/R (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Any size<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Arterial injury requiring repair<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F\/J\/N\/R (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Types IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC share one suffix group, because ICD-10-CM does not subdivide them at the 7th character. The operative report still has to name the subtype for clinical accuracy. Coders, though, do not need to separate IIIA from IIIB or IIIC when they pick the character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trauma and revision surgery is where <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/sports-medicine-software\/\">sports medicine practices<\/a> meet Gustilo documentation most often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-where-the-code-sits-in-the-icd-10-cm-hierarchy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where the code sits in the ICD-10-CM hierarchy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing where S72.309N sits in the ICD-10-CM tree makes the S72 category easier to navigate. It also shows you when a more specific code is available. The full hierarchy is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>S00-T88<\/strong> Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S70-S79<\/strong> Injuries to the hip and thigh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72<\/strong> Fracture of femur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.3<\/strong> Fracture of shaft of femur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.30<\/strong> Unspecified fracture of shaft of femur, unspecified laterality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.309<\/strong> Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified femur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S72.309N<\/strong> Subsequent encounter, open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, with nonunion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S72.30 is the parent for unspecified laterality. S72.301 covers the right femur shaft and S72.302 covers the left. Where laterality is documented in the clinical record, the laterality-specific code is the required choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The neck of the femur has its own branch of the tree, so a midcervical fracture takes a code such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72036e\/\">S72.036E<\/a> instead. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coordination-benefits-recovery\/overview\/icd-code-lists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS ICD code lists<\/a> confirm S72.309N as a billable code accepted for claim submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-choosing-between-s72-309n-and-adjacent-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing between S72.309N and adjacent codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most coding errors in this group happen at the choice between S72.309N and the codes next to it. Three documented elements decide it: Laterality, open fracture classification, and healing status. The decision table below maps each variable to the correct code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Clinical scenario<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Correct code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Key difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, right femur shaft, open type IIIA\/IIIB\/IIIC, nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.301N<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Laterality documented as right, so S72.309N is not appropriate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, left femur shaft, open type IIIA\/IIIB\/IIIC, nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.302N<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Laterality documented as left, so S72.309N is not appropriate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, unspecified femur shaft, closed fracture, nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion present, but the fracture is closed rather than open type III<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, unspecified femur shaft, open type I or II, nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion present, but the Gustilo type is I or II<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, unspecified femur shaft, open type IIIA\/IIIB\/IIIC, malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S72.309R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Healing status is malunion, so the bone healed in a poor position<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subsequent encounter, unspecified femur shaft, open type IIIA\/IIIB\/IIIC, nonunion, laterality genuinely undocumented<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>S72.309N<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">All three elements match and laterality is truly absent from the record<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common substitution error is reaching for S72.309N when the operative report clearly states right or left femur. Laterality documented anywhere in the encounter record requires the laterality-specific code, including the radiology report, the pre-op H&amp;P, and the anesthesia note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Malunion works the same way in other bones, where a code such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s49109p\/\">S49.109P<\/a> marks bone that healed in a poor position. Coders working in <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/medical-records-management\/\">client record systems<\/a> should cross-reference every encounter document before defaulting to unspecified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/codes\/icd-10-codes-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AAPC Codify ICD-10-CM lookup<\/a> shows the whole S72.30x group side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/detailed-client-records-in-pabau.webp\" alt=\"Detailed client records in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s client record keeps the operative report, imaging, and follow-up notes together, so laterality is easy to confirm before coding.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-coding-guidelines-for-subsequent-encounters-and-nonunion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coding guidelines for subsequent encounters and nonunion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting treat any encounter after active fracture treatment as a subsequent encounter. Routine follow-up, rehabilitation, and complication management all qualify, once the surgical or emergency treatment is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nonunion carries a specific clinical definition. Healing has ceased without complete bony union, usually confirmed by imaging that shows no progressive callus formation. The comparison point is the healing time expected for that fracture type and site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgeon&rsquo;s documentation has to support the finding. Using the N suffix without a documented nonunion is an unsupported claim, and it may trigger a payer audit. Practices with <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/compliance-management-software\/\">compliance management workflows<\/a> can build nonunion prompts into their orthopedic encounter templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/uploads\/hipaa-compliance.png\" alt=\"HIPAA compliance in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s compliance tools log who opened each fracture note, which is the trail a payer audit asks to see.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A subsequent encounter is not aftercare:<\/strong> Z codes apply once the fracture has healed and the patient returns for a residual condition. The N suffix applies while the nonunion is still an active problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 7th character reflects current status:<\/strong> A fracture can move from delayed healing (J) to nonunion (N) between visits. Update the character at the visit where nonunion is first confirmed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Complications get their own code:<\/strong> When a femur shaft nonunion arrives with a device-related infection, the complication code is assigned separately alongside S72.309N.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revision procedures are coded separately:<\/strong> A nonunion repair carries its own procedure code. One example is <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-20690\/\">CPT code 20690<\/a>, for uniplane external fixation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the harder sequencing questions, the American Hospital Association Coding Clinic is the official interpretive resource for ICD-10-CM, fracture nonunion included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices using Pabau&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/patient-intake-software\/\">digital forms<\/a> can build a subsequent-encounter form that captures laterality, Gustilo type, and healing status as discrete fields. That leaves less room for a thin note to push the coder toward an unspecified code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/digital-forms.webp\" alt=\"Digital forms\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s digital forms turn laterality, Gustilo type, and healing status into required fields on the subsequent-encounter note.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-requirements-before-you-submit-the-claim\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation requirements before you submit the claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four documentation elements must be present in the encounter record to support S72.309N. If any one of them is missing, a more defensible code exists. Treat the four as a pre-submission checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fracture site confirmed as the shaft:<\/strong> Radiology or operative documentation must place the fracture in the diaphysis. That separates it from the femoral neck (S72.0-S72.1) and the pertrochanteric region (S72.2).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laterality genuinely undocumented:<\/strong> The record must contain no reference to the right or left femur. If the provider named the side verbally but the written record is ambiguous, query the provider first. Reaching for unspecified to save time is a coding compliance violation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC on file:<\/strong> The operative report from the initial encounter must state the type. If that record is unavailable, use a lower-specificity code rather than assume type III.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nonunion confirmed at this visit:<\/strong> The treating surgeon must document nonunion now. Radiology wording such as \u00ab\u00a0no evidence of bridging callus\u00a0\u00bb supports it, but the surgeon&rsquo;s assessment is what the code rests on.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices that use <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/capture-forms-software\/\">structured capture forms<\/a> for subsequent fracture encounters can prompt the provider to answer all four points before the note is signed. The <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/return-to-running-protocol-physical-therapy-2\/\">return-to-running protocol<\/a> is a parallel example of structured musculoskeletal documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-pabau-supports-fracture-coding-across-the-care-episode\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Pabau supports fracture coding across the care episode<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most orthopedic practices, the missing detail surfaces after the denial. The claim goes out with an unspecified code, the payer asks for the operative note, and someone spends an afternoon pulling records from three places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pabau keeps the whole episode in one client record. The initial operative report, the imaging, and every follow-up note sit against the same client. A coder can check laterality and Gustilo type without leaving the chart. Custom forms make nonunion confirmation a required field instead of a line buried in free text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims then leave with the specificity the record supports, and the practice can see which subsequent-encounter claims are still unpaid. Every Pabau subscription includes the documentation, scheduling, and claims tools, so none of this sits behind a higher tier.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Streamline orthopedic fracture coding documentation                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau helps musculoskeletal and orthopedic practices capture the clinical detail coders need at every subsequent encounter, reducing unspecified code usage and improving claims accuracy.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau practice management platform\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S72.309N is a legitimate code, and it is also the code you land on when the record ran short of detail. Each time you reach for it, ask one question. Is the side genuinely absent from the chart, or only from the note in front of you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trade-off is worth naming. A query to the surgeon costs a day. A laterality-specific code that survives an audit is worth a good deal more than that day. Practices that fix the documentation at the point of care never have to weigh the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">Book a demo<\/a> to see how Pabau captures laterality, Gustilo type, and nonunion confirmation at every subsequent encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing an injection at the same visit?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-20550\/\">CPT code 20550<\/a> covers tendon sheath injections, with the documentation and modifier detail payers look for.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Coding a residual condition rather than an active fracture?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s43121s\/\">S43.121S<\/a> shows how the sequela suffix works on a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Need the soft tissue side of a musculoskeletal claim?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s46191a\/\">S46.191A<\/a> walks through muscle and tendon injury coding at an initial encounter.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing a follow-up that never becomes a visit?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-99421\/\">CPT code 99421<\/a> sets out the time and documentation rules for online digital care.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Handing a patient something they can claim on?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/templates\/superbill-template\/\">Free superbill template<\/a> comes with a filled-in example you can copy for your own practice.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198285\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What does ICD-10 code S72.309N mean?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S72.309N is a billable ICD-10-CM code for an unspecified fracture of the shaft of an unspecified femur. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture has gone on to nonunion. All three elements must be documented to support the code.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198286\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the 7th character N in ICD-10-CM fracture codes?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The 7th character N marks a subsequent encounter for an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture that has developed nonunion. It is distinct from K, which is a closed fracture with nonunion, and from M, which is open type I or II with nonunion. The malunion equivalents are P, Q, and R.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198287\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between nonunion and malunion in fracture coding?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Nonunion means the fracture has stopped healing without complete bony union. Malunion means it healed, but in an abnormal position. In ICD-10-CM, nonunion takes 7th character K, M, or N depending on fracture type. Malunion takes P, Q, or R instead. Confusing the two leads to the wrong code and a likely denial.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198288\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">When is laterality documented as unspecified for femur fracture coding?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Laterality is coded as unspecified only when nothing in the encounter record names the right or left femur. That includes the operative report, radiology, the H&amp;P, and the anesthesia note. If the side appears anywhere, use S72.301N for the right femur or S72.302N for the left. Choosing unspecified to simplify coding is a compliance violation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198289\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S72.309N valid for CMS-1500 claim form submission?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. S72.309N is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code for fiscal year 2026, and it is accepted on the CMS-1500 claim form. The CMS ICD-10-CM tabular list is the source to check if a payer questions it.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1787040198290\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the sibling codes for S72.309N?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The siblings run from S72.309A through S72.309S, one for each valid 7th character. The closest laterality siblings are S72.301N for the right femur shaft and S72.302N for the left. The two most often confused with N are S72.309K and S72.309R.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICD-10 code S72.309N is a billable diagnosis code for an unspecified fracture of the femoral shaft at a subsequent encounter. It applies when an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture has failed to unite and the record does not name the side. It is a billable ICD-10-CM code for fiscal year 2026 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":183442,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"80","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,1550],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostic-codes","category-icd-10-cm"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft nonunion coding rules<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Use S72.309N only when nonunion is confirmed and no note names the side. 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Laterality anywhere in the record means a specific code.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-18T11:11:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-18T11:11:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s72309n.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft fracture nonunion\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-18T11:11:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-18T11:11:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2586,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostic Codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft nonunion coding rules\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-18T11:11:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-18T11:11:22+00:00\",\"description\":\"Use S72.309N only when nonunion is confirmed and no note names the side. 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It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2011-10-20\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"201\",\"maxValue\":\"500\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\",\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Maja Popovska\"},\"description\":\"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/maja-popovska\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198285\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198285\",\"name\":\"What does ICD-10 code S72.309N mean?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S72.309N is a billable ICD-10-CM code for an unspecified fracture of the shaft of an unspecified femur. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture has gone on to nonunion. All three elements must be documented to support the code.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198286\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198286\",\"name\":\"What is the 7th character N in ICD-10-CM fracture codes?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The 7th character N marks a subsequent encounter for an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture that has developed nonunion. It is distinct from K, which is a closed fracture with nonunion, and from M, which is open type I or II with nonunion. The malunion equivalents are P, Q, and R.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198287\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198287\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between nonunion and malunion in fracture coding?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Nonunion means the fracture has stopped healing without complete bony union. Malunion means it healed, but in an abnormal position. In ICD-10-CM, nonunion takes 7th character K, M, or N depending on fracture type. Malunion takes P, Q, or R instead. Confusing the two leads to the wrong code and a likely denial.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198288\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198288\",\"name\":\"When is laterality documented as unspecified for femur fracture coding?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Laterality is coded as unspecified only when nothing in the encounter record names the right or left femur. That includes the operative report, radiology, the H&amp;P, and the anesthesia note. If the side appears anywhere, use S72.301N for the right femur or S72.302N for the left. Choosing unspecified to simplify coding is a compliance violation.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198289\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s72309n\\\/#faq-question-1787040198289\",\"name\":\"Is S72.309N valid for CMS-1500 claim form submission?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. S72.309N is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code for fiscal year 2026, and it is accepted on the CMS-1500 claim form. 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The two most often confused with N are S72.309K and S72.309R.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft nonunion coding rules","description":"Use S72.309N only when nonunion is confirmed and no note names the side. Laterality anywhere in the record means a specific code.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft nonunion coding rules","og_description":"Use S72.309N only when nonunion is confirmed and no note names the side. 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Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/blog\/author\/maja-popovska\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198285","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198285","name":"What does ICD-10 code S72.309N mean?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S72.309N is a billable ICD-10-CM code for an unspecified fracture of the shaft of an unspecified femur. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture has gone on to nonunion. All three elements must be documented to support the code.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198286","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198286","name":"What is the 7th character N in ICD-10-CM fracture codes?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The 7th character N marks a subsequent encounter for an open Gustilo type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC fracture that has developed nonunion. It is distinct from K, which is a closed fracture with nonunion, and from M, which is open type I or II with nonunion. The malunion equivalents are P, Q, and R.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198287","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198287","name":"What is the difference between nonunion and malunion in fracture coding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Nonunion means the fracture has stopped healing without complete bony union. Malunion means it healed, but in an abnormal position. In ICD-10-CM, nonunion takes 7th character K, M, or N depending on fracture type. Malunion takes P, Q, or R instead. Confusing the two leads to the wrong code and a likely denial.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198288","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198288","name":"When is laterality documented as unspecified for femur fracture coding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Laterality is coded as unspecified only when nothing in the encounter record names the right or left femur. That includes the operative report, radiology, the H&amp;P, and the anesthesia note. If the side appears anywhere, use S72.301N for the right femur or S72.302N for the left. Choosing unspecified to simplify coding is a compliance violation.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198289","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198289","name":"Is S72.309N valid for CMS-1500 claim form submission?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. S72.309N is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code for fiscal year 2026, and it is accepted on the CMS-1500 claim form. The CMS ICD-10-CM tabular list is the source to check if a payer questions it.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198290","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s72309n\/#faq-question-1787040198290","name":"What are the sibling codes for S72.309N?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The siblings run from S72.309A through S72.309S, one for each valid 7th character. The closest laterality siblings are S72.301N for the right femur shaft and S72.302N for the left. The two most often confused with N are S72.309K and S72.309R.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"ICD-10 code S72.309N","seo_title":"ICD-10 code S72.309N: Femur shaft nonunion coding rules","meta_description":"Use S72.309N only when nonunion is confirmed and no note names the side. 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