MDS Insights – April 2025 Edition

MDS Coding Tips of the Month

SECTION GG0170 of the MDS – RAI Manual
GG0170E, Chair/bed-to-chair transfer

Coding Tips

• Depending on the resident’s abilities, the transfer may be a stand-pivot, squat-pivot, or a slide board transfer.
• For item GG0170E, Chair/bed-to-chair transfer:
  • When assessing the resident moving from the chair/bed to the chair, the assessment begins with the resident sitting at the edge of the bed (or alternative sleeping surface) and ends with the resident sitting in a chair or wheelchair.
  • When assessing the resident moving from the chair to the bed, the assessment begins with the resident sitting in a chair or wheelchair and ends with the resident returning to sitting at the edge of the bed (or alternative sleeping surface).
  • The activities of GG0170B, Sit to lying, and GG0170C, Lying to sitting on side of bed, are two separate activities that are not assessed as part of GG0170E.
• If a mechanical lift is used to assist in transferring a resident for a chair/bed-to-chair transfer and two helpers are needed to assist with the mechanical lift transfer, then code as 01, Dependent, even if the resident assists with any part of the chair/bed-to-chair transfer.
• When possible, the transfer should be assessed in an environmental situation in which taking more than a few steps would not be necessary to complete the transfer.

Symbria is committed to maintaining a high standard and level of communication with our clients and employees regarding clinical education, MDS understanding, patient assessment, and coding efficiency.  As a result, MDS Insights was born.  In this monthly offering, we hope to provide some valuable information that can foster a quality level of care that meets the needs of the patients that we serve.