MDS Insights – May 2024 Edition

MDS Coding Tip of the Month

SECTION GG0130 of the MDS – RAI Manual
Self-Care – GG0130A, Eating

Coding Tips

• The intent of GG0130A, Eating is to assess the resident’s ability to use suitable utensils to bring food and/or liquid to the mouth and swallow food and/or liquid once the meal is placed before the resident.
• The administration of tube feedings and parenteral nutrition is not considered when coding this activity.
• The following is guidance for some situations in which a resident receives tube feedings or parenteral nutrition:
  • If the resident does not eat or drink by mouth and relies solely on nutrition and liquids through tube feedings or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because of a new (recent onset) medical condition, code GG0130A as 88, Not attempted due to medical condition or safety concerns.
  • If the resident does not eat or drink by mouth at the time of the assessment, and the resident did not eat or drink by mouth prior to the current illness, injury, or exacerbation, code GG0130A as 09, Not applicable – Not attempted and the resident did not perform this activity prior to the current illness, exacerbation, or injury.
  • If the resident eats and drinks by mouth and relies partially on obtaining nutrition and liquids via tube feedings or parenteral nutrition, code Eating based on the amount of assistance the resident requires to eat and drink by mouth.
  • Assistance with tube feedings or parenteral nutrition is not considered when coding the item Eating.
• If a resident requires assistance (e.g., supervision or cueing) to swallow safely, code based on the type and amount of assistance required for feeding and safe swallowing.
• If a resident swallows safely without assistance, exclude swallowing from consideration when coding GG0130A, Eating.
• If the resident eats finger foods using their hands, then code Eating based upon the amount of assistance provided. If the resident eats finger foods with their hands independently, for example, the resident would be coded as 06, Independent.
• For a resident taking only fluids by mouth, the item may be coded based on ability to bring liquid to the mouth and swallow liquid, once the drink is placed in front of the resident.

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.