When an external injury occurs without underlying injury, how is it coded?

The correct approach to coding an external injury that occurs without an accompanying underlying injury involves assigning it to both the specific body region as categorized by the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and designating it to the external Injury Severity Score (ISS) region. Coding to the specific body AIS region ensures that the nature and site of the injury are accurately recorded, attributing it within the framework of internal body classifications. Additionally, assigning it to the external ISS region reflects its external nature and influences overall injury severity assessments.

This dual coding is crucial because it provides a comprehensive view of the injury's impact, ensuring that it captures both the localized effects on the body and its external characteristics for analysis and potential treatment protocols. Such coding practices allow for improved understanding in trauma and injury data analysis across healthcare interventions. Hence, the approach taken in the correct answer aligns appropriately with standardized medical coding practices.