Complete lesion at T1 level of thoracic spinal cord, init

This code signifies a complete transection or severe damage to the spinal cord at the T1 vertebral level, resulting in a total loss of motor and sensory function below this point. This type of injury typically leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the exact level and extent of the lesion.

Apply this code for initial encounters with patients presenting with a newly diagnosed or acutely sustained complete spinal cord injury at the T1 level. This includes traumatic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or penetrating wounds affecting the T1 spinal cord.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "complete lesion" and the T1 level.
• Verify this is the "initial encounter" for the injury; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.
• Code any associated fractures or other injuries separately.