2025 ICD-10-CM code S12.601B

Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra, initial encounter for an open fracture.

Always code the initial encounter for the injury.Use additional codes as necessary to specify the cause of injury and any associated conditions. Use secondary codes from Chapter 20 to identify the external cause of the injury.

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

Medical necessity for treatment of a C7 vertebra fracture is established by the presence of an open fracture, pain, limited range of motion, or neurological compromise. The severity of the injury dictates the level of care, ranging from conservative management (e.g., pain relief, immobilization) to surgical intervention.

The clinical responsibility encompasses the complete evaluation and management of the patient presenting with an open fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra. This includes obtaining a comprehensive patient history, conducting a thorough physical examination to assess the extent of the injury, neurological function, and potential complications.Imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI) are typically necessary to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. Treatment options may range from conservative management with pain medication, immobilization (e.g., cervical collar), and physical therapy to surgical intervention to stabilize the fracture and address any neurological compromise. Ongoing monitoring for potential complications such as infection, spinal cord injury, and nerve damage is essential.

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

In simple words: This code describes a broken bone in the neck (specifically, the seventh bone down), where the broken pieces haven't moved out of place, and the broken bone is visible through a wound in the skin. This is for the first time this injury is seen by a doctor.

This ICD-10-CM code signifies an unspecified, nondisplaced fracture affecting the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).The initial encounter is characterized by an open fracture, meaning the fractured bone is exposed through a break in the skin.The term "unspecified" indicates that the exact type of fracture is not specified in the medical documentation.The "nondisplaced" descriptor clarifies that the fractured bone fragments have not shifted from their original anatomical position. This code should be used for the first encounter with this specific injury.

Example 1: A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustains an open fracture of the C7 vertebra.The fracture is visible through a laceration in the skin.The patient presents to the emergency department with neck pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms. , A patient falls from a height and suffers an open fracture of the C7 vertebra.Initial assessment reveals an open wound overlying the fracture site with associated swelling and pain. The patient experiences significant discomfort and requires immediate pain management., During a sporting event, a patient sustains a direct blow to the neck resulting in an open fracture of C7 vertebra.The patient exhibits neck pain, tenderness to palpation at the fracture site, and possible neurological deficits. Emergency medical services stabilize the patient’s cervical spine en route to the hospital.

Detailed documentation should include the mechanism of injury, a thorough description of the fracture (open vs. closed, displaced vs. nondisplaced), the presence of any associated injuries (e.g., spinal cord injury, nerve damage),results of imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, MRI),neurological examination findings, pain assessment, treatment plan, and response to treatment.Photographs of the wound and fracture are often helpful.

** This code is specifically for the initial encounter. Subsequent encounters should utilize the appropriate codes for subsequent care.Always review the most current ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for accurate coding.

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