MDS Insights – February 2024 Edition

MDS Coding Tips of the Month

SECTION GG0100 of the MDS – RAI Manual
Prior Functioning: Everyday Activities

Coding Tips

• Record the resident’s usual ability to perform self-care, indoor mobility (ambulation), stairs, and functional cognition prior to the current illness, exacerbation, or injury.
• If no information about the resident’s ability is available after attempts to interview the resident or their family and after reviewing the resident’s medical record, code as 8, Unknown.
• Completing the stair activity for GG0100C indicates that a resident went up and down the stairs, by any safe means, with or without handrails or assistive devices or equipment (such as a cane, crutch, walker, or stair lift) and/or with or without some level of assistance.
• Going up and down a ramp is not considered going up and down stairs for coding GG0100C.

SECTION GG0110 of the MDS – RAI Manual
Prior Device Use

Coding Tips

• For GG0110D, Prior Device Use – Walker: “Walker” refers to all types of walkers (for example, pickup walkers, hemi-walkers, rolling walkers, and platform walkers).
• GG0110C, Mechanical lift, includes sit-to-stand, stand assist, stair lift, and full-body-style lifts.

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.