Unsp disp fx of third cervical vertebra, init for opn fx

This code signifies a fracture of the third cervical vertebra where the bone fragments are not in their normal anatomical alignment, and the skin and underlying soft tissue are broken, exposing the fracture site. It indicates the initial treatment encounter for this specific injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states an open, displaced fracture of the C3 vertebra. This code is appropriate for the initial hospital admission or outpatient visit where definitive treatment for the fracture is initiated. Documentation must specify "open" and "displaced" for C3.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "displaced" and "open" for the C3 vertebra; otherwise, an unspecified or closed fracture code may be more appropriate.
• Verify the encounter type is "initial" for this specific injury; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Do not use this code if the fracture is explicitly described as nondisplaced or if the skin is intact (closed fracture).