Maxillary fracture, left side, 7thB

This code signifies a break in the left maxilla (upper jaw bone) that involves a laceration or opening in the skin or mucous membrane, exposing the underlying bone. This injury is being treated for the first time.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an open fracture of the left maxilla in a patient presenting for initial treatment. This includes emergency department visits, initial surgical repair, or the first encounter with a healthcare provider for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left side" and "open fracture" to support this code.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific injury; subsequent care would require a different encounter character.
• Distinguish from closed maxillary fractures, which would use a different code.