MDS Insights – November 2025 Edition

MDS Coding Tips of the Month

SECTION GG0170 of the MDS – RAI Manual
GG0170Q, GG0170R, and GG0170S, Wheelchair Items

Coding Tips

• The intent of the wheelchair mobility items is to assess the ability of residents who are learning how to self-mobilize using a wheelchair or who used a wheelchair for self-mobilization prior to admission. Use clinical judgment to determine whether a resident’s use of a wheelchair is for self-mobilization as a result of the resident’s medical condition or safety.
• If the resident used a wheelchair for self-mobilization prior to admission to the facility, indicate 1, Yes, to the gateway wheelchair items on the initial assessment in GG0170Q1.
  • The responses for gateway wheelchair items (GG0170Q1, GG0170Q3, and/or GG0170Q5) do not have to be the same on subsequent assessments. For example, the Admission assessment may indicate that the resident does not use a wheelchair but the subsequent assessment may indicate that the resident uses a wheelchair.
• If a wheelchair is used for transport purposes only, then GG0170Q1, GG0170Q3, and/or GG0170Q5, Does the resident use a wheelchair or scooter? is coded as 0, No; then follow the skip pattern to continue coding the assessment.
  • Example of using a wheelchair for transport convenience: A resident is transported in a wheelchair by staff between their room and the therapy gym or by family to the family cafeteria, but the resident is not expected to use a wheelchair after discharge.
• The turns included in item GG0170R (wheeling 50 feet with two turns) are 90-degree turns. The turns may be in the same direction (two 90-degree turns to the right or two 90-degree turns to the left) or may be in different directions (one 90-degree turn to the left and one 90-degree turn to the right). The 90-degree turn should occur at the person’s ability level.
• If a resident’s environment does not accommodate wheelchair or scooter use for 150 feet without turns, but the resident demonstrates the ability to mobilize a wheelchair or scooter with or without assistance for 150 feet with turns without jeopardizing the resident’s safety, code GG0170S, Wheel 150 feet, using the 6-point scale.
• For GG0170S, Wheel 150 feet, a helper can assist a resident in completing the required distance in the wheelchair or in making turns if required. When a resident is unable to wheel the entire distance themselves, the activity can still be completed, and a performance code can be determined based on the type and amount of assistance required from the helper to complete the entire activity.
  

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.