Complete lesion of L5 level of lumbar spinal cord, init

This code signifies a total disruption of the spinal cord at the L5 vertebral level, resulting in a complete loss of neurological function below that point. This type of injury typically leads to complete paralysis and sensory loss in the lower extremities, as well as potential bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Assign this code for initial encounters with patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, complete spinal cord injury specifically localized to the L5 level. This would include cases following traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other direct spinal trauma.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies a "complete" lesion at the L5 level.
• Verify this is the "initial encounter" for the injury; subsequent care will use different encounter characters.
• Always code any associated external cause of injury (e.g., fall, motor vehicle accident) in addition to this diagnosis.