Subluxation of C0/C1 cervical vertebrae, sequela

This code signifies a chronic or late effect of a prior subluxation at the atlanto-occipital joint (C0/C1). It indicates persistent symptoms or conditions directly resulting from an initial, acute subluxation of this specific cervical vertebral segment.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links a current condition, such as chronic pain, instability, or neurological deficits, to a previously treated or resolved C0/C1 subluxation. The patient's medical record must explicitly state that the current issue is a "sequela" or "late effect" of the original injury.

• Requires a seventh character "S" to denote sequela, indicating a complication or condition arising as a direct result of an earlier injury.
• Do not use for acute or initial subluxations; those require codes from the S13.11- series without the "S" seventh character.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, neurological deficit).