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

Unspecified displaced fracture of fourth cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a fracture of the fourth cervical vertebra where the bone fragments are not in their normal anatomical alignment, and the fracture is exposed to the external environment through a break in the skin. The specific type of fracture is not documented. This code is used for the initial treatment of this injury.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for the first encounter for a patient presenting with an open, displaced fracture of the C4 vertebra when the specific fracture type (e.g., comminuted, transverse) is not specified in the medical record. Documentation should clearly indicate an open fracture, displacement, and the cervical level involved.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "open" to differentiate from closed fractures.
Verify the encounter is for the initial treatment of the fracture; subsequent care requires different encounter codes.
Confirm the fracture is of the fourth cervical vertebra; other cervical levels have distinct codes.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S12.300Unspecified displaced fracture of fourth cervical vertebra

S12.300B(current)

Crosswalks

806.131-to-manyICD-9 806.111-to-manyICD-9 805.14ApproxICD-9 805.14ApproxICD-9 806.141-to-manyICD-9 806.121-to-manyICD-9