Oth disp fx of sixth cervcal vert, subs for fx w delay heal

This code signifies a fracture of the sixth cervical vertebra that is displaced and is currently in a phase of delayed healing. The patient is presenting for follow-up care related to this specific fracture. It indicates that the normal healing process is taking longer than expected.

This code is appropriate for encounters where a patient is receiving ongoing treatment for a previously diagnosed, displaced C6 vertebral fracture that has not healed within the anticipated timeframe. Documentation should clearly state "delayed healing" or similar terminology, along with the specific cervical vertebra involved and its displaced nature. This code is used for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "delayed healing" for the fracture; otherwise, a routine subsequent encounter code without delayed healing may be more appropriate.
• Verify the specific cervical vertebra (C6) and the displaced nature of the fracture are clearly documented.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment of the fracture or for nonunion, which has a separate and distinct code.