Fatigue fx vert, occipt-atlan-ax rgn, 7thD

This code signifies a stress fracture of a vertebra located in the occipital, atlas (C1), or axis (C2) region of the cervical spine. It specifically indicates that the patient is in a subsequent phase of care, and the fracture is progressing with expected, routine healing. This is not an acute injury, but rather a chronic or overuse-related bone failure.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a previously diagnosed fatigue fracture of the C0-C2 vertebrae is being monitored for healing, and the healing process is proceeding without complications. Documentation should explicitly state "fatigue fracture," specify the occipito-atlanto-axial region, and indicate routine healing during a subsequent visit.

• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between an acute traumatic fracture and a fatigue (stress) fracture.
• Verify the encounter is "subsequent" and not the initial treatment for the fracture.
• Confirm the healing is "routine" and not delayed, nonunion, or malunion, which would require different seventh characters.