Fracture of alveolus of mandible, unspecified side, init

This code signifies a fracture of the alveolar process of the mandible, which is the part of the jawbone that holds the teeth. This specific code is used when the side of the mandible involved is not documented and the fracture is closed, meaning there is no open wound communicating with the fracture site. This injury typically results from trauma to the lower jaw.

Use this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, closed fracture of the mandibular alveolus where the laterality (left or right) is not specified in the medical record. Documentation should clearly indicate a fracture of the alveolar bone of the mandible and confirm that it is a closed fracture and the initial encounter for treatment.

• Ensure documentation specifies "mandible" and "alveolus" to differentiate from other facial bone fractures.
• Verify the encounter is "initial" for treatment of the fracture; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.
• If laterality (left or right) is documented, a more specific code should be selected.