Question

A patient is seen for evaluation of a right orbital roof fracture. How should this be coded?

-801.00
Fracture of base of skull, closed without mention of intracranial injury, unspecified state of consciousness
-802.6
Fracture of face bones, orbital floor (blow-out), closed
-802.8
Fracture of face bones, other facial bones, closed
-803.0
Other and unqualified skull fractures, closed without mention of intracranial injury

Answer 1

For a right orbital roof fracture, the correct medical coding is 802.8, which pertains to the fracture of other facial bones that are closed and unspecified.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient seen for evaluation of a right orbital roof fracture should be coded accurately to reflect the injury's location and the nature of the fracture. In medical coding, it is essential to match the injury description to the correct code. The options presented are specific codes. In this case, the right orbital roof is part of the skull, but not part of the base of the skull or the facial bones specifically forming the orbit's floor or other facial bones. The orbital roof is distinct from the orbital floor, which is referenced in code 802.6 and can be subject to a blow-out fracture. Therefore, the closest match for a fracture to the right orbital roof would be 802.8 Fracture of face bones, other facial bones, closed, which encompasses fractures of facial bones not otherwise specified, including the orbital roof.