Q&A: When a resident returns from an interrupted stay, is an IPA required or any kind of readmission assessment if no change?

Question: When a resident returns from an interrupted stay, is an IPA required or any kind of readmission assessment if no change? Answer from Jeff Taylor: IPAs are always optional. In an interrupted stay, no new Medicare MDS is required. You would do the required OBRA Discharge assessment and an …

Q&A: A resident on a Medicare Part A stay discharged return not anticipated. His last covered day of Medicare was the day before. Can I combine the Part A PPS Discharge with the OBRA discharged return not anticipated?

Question: A resident on a Medicare Part A stay discharged return not anticipated. His last covered day of Medicare was the day before. Can I combine the Part A PPS Discharge with the OBRA discharged return not anticipated? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: Yes, when a …

Q&A: For section GG documentation, the direct care staff was given the wrong dates. It was supposed to be the ARD and the two days before, but they did the first 3 days of the look-back period. Am I able to use any of the GG documentation they completed?

Question: For section GG documentation, the direct care staff was given the wrong dates. It was supposed to be the ARD and the two days before, but they did the first 3 days of the look-back period. Am I able to use any of the GG documentation they completed? Answer …

Q&A: Do I code J1400, Prognosis, as yes when a resident is under palliative care and not hospice? There is no physician documentation certifying or stating the physician’s belief that the resident’s terminal illness is that their life expectancy is six months or less.  

Question: Do I code J1400, Prognosis, as yes when a resident is under palliative care and not hospice? There is no physician documentation certifying or stating the physician’s belief that the resident’s terminal illness is that their life expectancy is six months or less.   Answer from Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, …

Q&A: What is considered as the most updated COVID-19 vaccine to code on the MDS?

Question: What is considered as the most updated COVID-19 vaccine to code on the MDS? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA: To determine up to date, we must reference the Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines CDC homepage: www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html There are few considerations- such as age and …

Q&A: For the PHQ-2 to 9 interview, if the resident is at least sometimes understood and the interview is attempted, but the resident did not respond to the first two questions, how is this coded and can we proceed to the Staff Interview of Mood?

Question: For the PHQ-2 to 9 interview, if the resident is at least sometimes understood and the interview is attempted, but the resident did not respond to the first two questions, how is this coded and can we proceed to the Staff Interview of Mood? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, …

Q&A: A resident discharged to the hospital with an unstageable pressure ulcer due to eschar (occurred in house). The wound was debrided in the hospital and then the resident returned with it being a Stage 3 pressure ulcer. Would this be presented upon reentry since it’s now a Stage 3?

Question: A resident discharged to the hospital with an unstageable pressure ulcer due to eschar (occurred in house). The wound was debrided in the hospital and then the resident returned with it being a Stage 3 pressure ulcer. Would this be presented upon reentry since it’s now a Stage 3? …

Q&A: A resident had a chest tube placed in the hospital and removed prior to re-admission. In the 5-Day look-back period, we have orders for an ointment and dressing to the area daily until resolved. Would I capture this under surgical wound and surgical wound care?

Question: A resident had a chest tube placed in the hospital and removed prior to re-admission. In the 5-Day look-back period, we have orders for an ointment and dressing to the area daily until resolved. Would I capture this under surgical wound and surgical wound care? Answer from Jennifer LaBay …

Q&A: Is an OBRA Discharge assessment required when a non-skilled resident has an unplanned transfer to the hospital, was not admitted, but was there for 30 hours?

Question: Is an OBRA Discharge assessment required when a non-skilled resident has an unplanned transfer to the hospital, was not admitted, but was there for 30 hours? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC:Yes, OBRA Discharge assessments are required when residents transfer to the hospital, emergency department, or …

Q&A: On admission, our infection control nurse asks about the COVID-19 vaccine and documents the resident’s vaccine status and acceptance or refusal of the vaccine. Since we are no longer providing the vaccine in the facility, should I be dashing this item?   

Question: On admission, our infection control nurse asks about the COVID-19 vaccine and documents the resident’s vaccine status and acceptance or refusal of the vaccine. Since we are no longer providing the vaccine in the facility, should I be dashing this item?    Answer from Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, …