Injury of nerve root of cervical spine, subsequent encounter

This code signifies an injury to the nerve roots originating from the cervical spine, indicating a follow-up encounter for a previously diagnosed injury. This typically involves damage to the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal cord in the neck region, often resulting in pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.

Use this code for patients presenting for ongoing treatment, follow-up, or rehabilitation of a cervical nerve root injury after the initial acute phase of care. Documentation should clearly indicate a previous diagnosis of cervical nerve root injury and that the current visit is not for the initial treatment of the injury. Examples include physical therapy sessions, follow-up appointments with a neurologist, or pain management visits for a persistent radiculopathy.

• Ensure documentation specifies "subsequent encounter" and not an initial injury or sequela.
• Always code the underlying cause of the injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation) if applicable and still being treated.
• Distinguish from S14.2XXA (initial encounter) and S14.2XXS (sequela) based on the patient's current stage of care.