A: Thanks to Abbie, Jo and Hideo for participating in this month”s question. The correct code to use for this injury description is 340208.3. If the larynx is described as “crushed” the code 340212.5 would be appropriate.
Because this is a relatively common description for some laryngeal injuries, we are adding the word “fracture” to this descriptor in the AIS dictionary. Watch for a notice that the AIS 2005, Update 2008 is available. This update will include the long awaited FCI codes, some new codes and descriptors, and further clarification of some coding rules and guidelines.
