Unsp injury at C5 level of cervical spinal cord, init encntr

This code signifies an injury to the cervical spinal cord at the C5 vertebral level, where the specific nature or type of the injury is not documented. It indicates damage to the neural structures within the spinal canal at C5, without further detail regarding the pathology (e.g., contusion, laceration, compression). This code is used for the initial phase of treatment for such an injury.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a spinal cord injury at the C5 level, but the physician has not specified the exact type of injury (e.g., transection, contusion, edema). This code is appropriate for the initial encounter for treatment of the injury, such as in the emergency department or during the initial hospitalization. Documentation should explicitly state "spinal cord injury at C5" without further specificity, and confirm it's the first time the patient is receiving active treatment for this injury.

• Do not use this code if the specific type of spinal cord injury (e.g., contusion, edema, laceration) is documented; instead, select a more specific code from the S14.1- series.
• Ensure the encounter is truly the "initial encounter" for active treatment of the injury; subsequent care would require a different 7th character.
• Always review the entire medical record for any additional details that might allow for a more specific code selection.