The October 1, 2026 diagnosis code update files are now available. Use these files for discharges occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 and for patient encounters occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027. The 2027 ICD-10-CM & PCS files section below contains information on the …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a one-page resource that clarifies when an OBRA Discharge assessment is required under the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual (Chapter 2). This resource outlines the primary discharge criteria, including hospital admissions, observation stays greater than 24 hours, and discharges to other care …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss getting to know your Medicare Administrative Contractor. Additional Resources:
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Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In the complex world of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment scheduling, discharge scenarios can often confuse even experienced interdisciplinary team (IDT) members. When a resident’s stay changes, due to either leaving the facility or a shift in payer …
Question: Please clarify when resident interviews need to be completed for the MDS? Answer from Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: All resident interviews, including the Customary Routine/Activities, BIMS, PHQ-2 to 9, and Pain, must be completed in the 7-day look-back window of the MDS. Any non-interview …
Question: Do I need to complete discharge assessments for an emergency evacuation? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: You may not be required to complete the discharge MDS in this situation. Here is a link to the all-cause waiver information: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/Downloads/Provider-Survey-and-Certification-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf. Review the SNF information and watch …
Question: What are the correct dates for flu season and pneumonia vaccines for MDS purposes to count if present during that time? Answer from Jennifer LaBay RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: The influenza vaccine question O0250 is asking if the vaccine was delivered in your facility during the current flu …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the “Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines” guidance several times since requiring COVID-19 vaccinations to be coded on the MDS as of October 2024. Facility teams can track these changes by using AAPACN’s COVID-19 Vaccine “Up to Date” Guidance …
Starting Oct. 1, 2024, additional supporting documentation is required to capture a diagnosis of sepsis at I2100, Septicemia on the MDS. Nurse assessment coordinators can use the AAPACN Sepsis: Nurse Documentation Training Aid to provide guidance to nurses on assessment and documentation needs when a resident is diagnosed with sepsis. …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The OBRA Significant Correction to Prior Assessment (SCPA), which includes the Significant Correction to Prior Quarterly Assessment and the Significant Correction to Prior Comprehensive Assessment, is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) …
