Other fracture of occiput, left side, 7thB

This code signifies a traumatic break in the occipital bone, specifically on the left side, where the skin and underlying tissue are compromised, exposing the fracture site to the external environment. This represents the initial treatment phase for such an injury.

Apply this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, open fracture of the left occipital bone due to trauma. Documentation should clearly state "open fracture," specify the "left occiput," and confirm this is the first encounter for active treatment of the injury.

• Differentiate from closed fractures (S02.11HA) and other specific occipital fracture types.
• Ensure laterality (left) is explicitly documented; unspecified laterality would require a different code.
• Confirm "initial encounter" status for active treatment; subsequent care would use a different encounter character.