Fracture of ramus of mandible, unspecified side, 7thD

This code signifies a fracture of the mandibular ramus, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. The "D" seventh character indicates that the patient is in the healing phase of the fracture, and the healing process is progressing routinely without complications.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters when a patient with an unspecified ramus fracture is undergoing routine healing. Documentation should clearly state "subsequent encounter," "routine healing," or similar terms indicating uncomplicated recovery. This code is appropriate when the initial fracture was not specified as left or right.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unspecified side" if the laterality is unknown; otherwise, a more specific code should be used.
• Verify the seventh character "D" is appropriate for routine healing; other seventh characters exist for delayed healing, nonunion, or malunion.
• Do not use this code for the initial encounter of the fracture; a code with a seventh character "A" (initial encounter) would be appropriate then.