July 9, 2021

I have a patient that on her initial imagining did not show a brainstem herniation. On a follow up one, it was present. The follow up one that it was on, was greater than 24 hours. In the AIS book, it states that coding of brain injuries should be done at 24 hours or initial confirmed diagnosis is later than 24 hours. Would this herniation be able to be included in the injuries??

The guideline states, “coding of brain injuries should be done at 24 hours or at initial confirmed diagnosis if later than 24 hours.” Since the initial brainstem herniation was not initially diagnosed until after 24 hours, you can code it based on the information you have when the diagnosis was confirmed.

Can't find an answer to your question? No problem simply submit your question via email.