Type I occipital condyle fracture, unspecified side, sequela

This code signifies a Type I occipital condyle fracture, which is an avulsion fracture of the occipital condyle, occurring as a late effect or complication of the initial injury. It indicates that the patient is now experiencing residual problems or conditions directly resulting from a previously healed or treated occipital condyle fracture.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms or complications (e.g., chronic pain, neurological deficits, instability) directly attributable to a past Type I occipital condyle fracture. Documentation should clearly state the sequela and link it to the previous fracture, often indicating that the acute phase of the fracture has passed.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific residual condition(s) being treated.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or describes a chronic condition resulting from a past injury.
• Do not use this code for initial or subsequent encounters for an active, healing fracture; those require acute fracture codes.