MDS Insights – December 2024 Edition

MDS Coding Tips of the Month

SECTION GG0170 of the MDS – RAI Manual
GG0170: Mobility

OBRA/Interim:

• The Interim Payment Assessment (IPA) (A0310B = 08) is an optional assessment that may be completed by providers in order to report a change in the resident’s PDPM classification.
• OBRA assessments (A0310A = 01-06) are required for residents in Medicare-certified, Medicaid-certified, or dually certified nursing homes and are outlined in Chapter 2 of the RAI Manual.
• For Section GG on the IPA or an OBRA assessment, providers will use the same 6-point scale and activity not attempted codes to assess the resident’s usual functional status during the 3-day assessment period.
• The ARD for the IPA is determined by the provider, and the assessment period is the last 3 days (i.e., the ARD plus 2 previous calendar days). It is important to note that the IPA changes payment beginning on the ARD and continues until the end of the Medicare Part A stay or until another IPA is completed. The IPA does not affect the variable per diem schedule.
• For Section GG on OBRA assessments other than the Admission assessment (i.e., A0310A = 02-06), the assessment period is the last 3 days (i.e., the ARD plus 2 previous calendar days).
  

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.