Central cord syndrome at C3, subs

This code signifies a specific type of incomplete spinal cord injury affecting the central gray matter of the cervical spinal cord at the C3 level. Patients typically present with greater motor weakness in the upper extremities than in the lower extremities, along with varying degrees of sensory loss below the level of injury.

This code is used for encounters following the initial treatment of a central cord syndrome at the C3 level. This includes follow-up visits for rehabilitation, monitoring of neurological deficits, medication management, or evaluation of complications after the acute phase of the injury has passed.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "central cord syndrome" and the C3 level.
• The "D" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter, meaning the patient is receiving routine care during the healing or recovery phase.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the injury; a different seventh character would be required for the initial encounter.