MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual v18.0 Effective Jan. 1, 2026 and Associated Files

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual Version (V)18.0 is now available along with associated files. Additionally, the updated .zip file titled MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual v18.0 Effective 1-1-2026 and Associated User Manual Files.zip includes a complete set of six files: From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/quality-measures

Q&A: Can I code a diagnosis of pneumonia when the nurse practitioner initiated antibiotics for a documented reason of pneumonia, but there was not a chest x-ray completed to confirm the diagnosis?

Question: Can I code a diagnosis of pneumonia when the nurse practitioner initiated antibiotics for a documented reason of pneumonia, but there was not a chest x-ray completed to confirm the diagnosis? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: If the physician/extender diagnosed the resident with pneumonia after …

Q&A: What date would be used in A2400C (Medicare end date) for an unplanned discharge to the hospital when the assessment is a combined a 5-Day, OBRA discharge, and a PPS discharge?

Question: What date would be used in A2400C (Medicare end date) for an unplanned discharge to the hospital when the assessment is a combined a 5-Day, OBRA discharge, and a PPS discharge? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: The Medicare end date would be the date of …

Weight Loss/Gain Calculation Worksheets and Documentation Tip Sheets to Support MDS Coding

AAPACN’s Weight Loss/Gain Calculation Worksheets and Documentation Tip Sheets to Support MDS Coding helps clinicians accurately calculate and document weight changes to support compliant MDS section K coding. This easy-to-use resource outlines how to identify the correct 30- and 180-day weights, apply required calculation formulas, determine physician-prescribed weight changes, and …

Crack the Code: E0800, Rejection of Care

Understanding and accurately coding E0800, Rejection of Care, is essential both to reflect the resident’s behavior patterns and to ensure the care plan captures both the resident’s behaviors and his or her preferences. Misinterpreting rejection can lead to coding errors that distort the resident’s needs and obscure opportunities for effective …

Appendix B State RAI Coordinators Contact List Updated

The November update of Appendix B to the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual contains changes to the list of State RAI Coordinators, MDS Automation Coordinators, and CMS locations and contacts. To ensure accurate formatting, use a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF. Web-based or mobile browser plug-ins may affect …

Falls With Major Injury (FMI) NHQI Technical Specification Report

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates feedback received during the cross-setting Technical Expert Panel (TEP) held on May 12 and 14, 2025. The report provides an overview of the measure, …

OIG: First SNF PDPM Audit Report

Nearly All Skilled Nursing Services Provided by Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Did Not Meet Medicare Payment Requirements Issued on 11/14/2025 | Posted on 11/18/2025 | Report number: A-02-22-01017 Report Materials Why OIG Did This Audit What OIG Found What OIG Recommends We made three recommendations to Pinnacle, including that it refund to the Medicare …

SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available

November 19, 2025 Because of the lapse in federal appropriations, scheduled data refreshes and other routine updates were temporarily paused. With the resumption of government operations on November 13, these updates are now being released. SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated …

iQIES Assessment Management: Assessment Submitter Manual

This document shows how to upload assessments, create and manage assessments, complete change requests, and review Final Validation Reports (FVR) in iQIES. Nov 18, 2025 CMS iQIES Assessment Management for Assessment Submitter v2.2 From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals