Oth incomplete lesion at C1, init

This code signifies an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C1 vertebral level, where some motor or sensory function is preserved below the neurological level of injury. It indicates that the damage to the spinal cord is not a complete transection, allowing for partial function. This specific code is for the initial treatment or evaluation of the injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed or acutely managed incomplete spinal cord lesion affecting the C1 level. Documentation should clearly state an incomplete injury (e.g., ASIA Impairment Scale B, C, or D) and specify the C1 level, along with an indication that this is the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "incomplete" lesion and specifies the C1 level.
• Verify the encounter type is "initial" for this specific injury; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.
• Distinguish from complete lesions (S14.0-) and other cervical levels (S14.11-S14.14, S14.19-).