CAISS AIS Coding Principles 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the AIS pre-dot (descriptor) portion of the code?

Accepted Answer

It provides a six-digit alphanumeric descriptor identifying the specific injury

Answer

The pre-dot code is a six-digit numeric descriptor that uniquely identifies the injury type, structure, and region before the severity dot.

Question 2

When a patient presents with a closed head injury and epidural hematoma, which AIS code component differentiates this from a subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

The sixth digit (injury level/descriptor)

Answer

The specific anatomic descriptor digits in the pre-dot code distinguish epidural from subdural hematomas within the same head region.

Question 3

A fall victim has a fractured L2 vertebral body without neurological deficit. Under AIS, this is coded in which region?

Accepted Answer

Region 6 — Spine

Answer

All vertebral fractures, with or without cord injury, are coded in AIS region 6 (Spine).

Question 4

Which principle governs how AIS coders handle injuries documented only by mechanism (e.g., 'hit by car') with no clinical findings in the record?

Accepted Answer

Do not assign an AIS code — a diagnosis or clinical finding is required

Answer

AIS coding requires a documented injury diagnosis or clinical finding; mechanism alone without a confirmed injury cannot be coded.

Question 5

What is the maximum possible ISS score, and how is it achieved?

Accepted Answer

75, by having AIS 6 in any body region

Answer

A single AIS 6 injury in any body region automatically results in an ISS of 75 (the maximum), regardless of other injuries.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test