Other specified injury of left vertebral artery, subs encntr

This code signifies a documented injury to the left vertebral artery that is not further specified as a laceration, puncture, or other specific type, and is being treated during a subsequent encounter. This could include contusions, hematomas, or other non-lacerating trauma to the artery.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care, rehabilitation, or ongoing management of a previously diagnosed, non-specific injury to the left vertebral artery. Documentation should clearly indicate the left side, the vertebral artery, and the "subsequent encounter" status, such as "patient seen for follow-up of left vertebral artery injury sustained last month."

• Ensure documentation specifies the left vertebral artery; otherwise, an unspecified laterality code may be more appropriate.
• The "D" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter, meaning the patient is receiving routine care during the healing or recovery phase.
• Distinguish from initial encounters (A) or sequela (S) for the same injury.