Unsp disp fx of seventh cervcal vert, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a nonunion of an unspecified displaced fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7). Nonunion indicates that the bone has failed to heal completely after a previous fracture, and the patient is receiving active treatment for this complication.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care, treatment, or management of a C7 vertebral fracture that has not healed properly. Documentation should clearly state "nonunion" or "failed healing" of a C7 fracture, and indicate that it is a subsequent encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "nonunion" and not just delayed healing, which would use a different subsequent encounter code.
• This code requires an external cause code (e.g., W00-Y38) to describe the cause of the original fracture.
• Do not use this code for initial encounters or for malunion, which has a distinct code.