Anterior cord syndrome at C2, init

This code signifies a specific neurological deficit resulting from damage to the anterior spinal artery or the anterior portion of the spinal cord at the C2 vertebral level. Patients typically present with immediate paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the injury, while proprioception and vibratory sensation are preserved.

Apply this code for the initial encounter of a patient diagnosed with anterior cord syndrome affecting the C2 cervical spinal cord. Documentation should clearly state the specific syndrome, the C2 level involvement, and confirm it is the first time the patient is being seen for this particular injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "anterior cord syndrome" and not a general spinal cord injury.
• Verify the exact cervical level (C2) is documented; other levels have different codes.
• The "A" suffix indicates an initial encounter; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.