Type I occipital condyle fracture, unspecified side, 7thD

This code signifies a follow-up visit for a fracture of the occipital condyle, specifically a Type I, where the healing process is progressing normally. The occipital condyles are bony prominences at the base of the skull that articulate with the first cervical vertebra (atlas). A Type I fracture typically involves an impaction fracture of the condyle.

Apply this code for subsequent encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed Type I occipital condyle fracture is receiving routine follow-up care and the fracture is healing as expected. Documentation should clearly state "subsequent encounter," "routine healing," and confirm the Type I classification of the occipital condyle fracture.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "Type I" occipital condyle fracture; other types (II or III) have different codes.
• Verify that the encounter is for routine follow-up and not for delayed healing, nonunion, or malunion, which would require different subsequent encounter codes.
• This code requires a seventh character "D" for subsequent encounter with routine healing; other seventh characters exist for different healing statuses.