Type I occipital condyle fracture, unspecified side, 7thB

This code signifies a fracture of the occipital condyle, specifically a Type I injury, which is an impaction fracture without displacement. It indicates that the fracture is open, meaning there is a break in the skin or mucous membrane communicating with the fracture site, and it is the initial encounter for treatment.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial treatment of an open, stable, and non-displaced occipital condyle fracture. Documentation should clearly state "Type I" or describe an impaction fracture, confirm the open nature of the injury (e.g., "compound fracture," "laceration communicating with fracture"), and specify that this is the first time the patient is receiving active treatment for this injury.

• Always confirm the "Type" of occipital condyle fracture (I, II, or III) as this impacts code selection.
• Distinguish between "open" and "closed" fractures; the 'B' seventh character specifically denotes an initial encounter for an open fracture.
• Ensure documentation specifies "initial encounter" for active treatment, as subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.