Type III occipital condyle fracture, unspecified side, 7thG

This code signifies a specific type of fracture affecting the occipital condyle, which is a bony prominence at the base of the skull that articulates with the first cervical vertebra. A Type III fracture involves an avulsion injury where a fragment of bone is pulled away by the alar ligament. This particular code indicates that the fracture is on an unspecified side of the skull and that the patient is in a subsequent phase of care, experiencing delayed healing of the fracture.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a Type III occipital condyle fracture, without specifying laterality, and the patient is being seen for ongoing management due to delayed healing. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits, imaging studies, or therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting union of the fracture that is not healing at the expected rate. Physician notes should explicitly state "delayed healing" or similar terminology.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "Type III" occipital condyle fracture; other types (I, II) have distinct codes.
• Verify the encounter type is "subsequent encounter" and that "delayed healing" is explicitly documented.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment or routine follow-up without evidence of delayed healing; use the appropriate "initial encounter" or "routine healing" codes.