Oth injury of unspecified vertebral artery, init encntr

This code signifies an injury to a vertebral artery that is not further specified as a laceration, puncture, or thrombosis, and where the specific vertebral artery (left or right) is not documented. It indicates damage to this critical blood vessel supplying the brain, resulting from trauma.

Use this code for initial encounters when documentation confirms an injury to a vertebral artery, but the specific nature of the injury (e.g., transection, contusion) and the laterality (left or right) are not detailed. This code is appropriate when the physician's notes describe a "vertebral artery injury" without further specificity.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "unspecified vertebral artery" or lacks laterality and specific injury type.
• Do not use if a more specific injury (e.g., laceration, thrombosis) or laterality (left/right) is documented; instead, choose a more precise S15.1- subcategory.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if the vertebral artery injury is the main reason for the encounter.