A1600: Entry Date , Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Section A1600: Entry Date in MDS 3.0

Objective: This guide assists MDS coordinators and healthcare professionals in accurately coding the entry date into the facility for each resident, as specified in Section A1600 of the MDS 3.0. Correctly coding the entry date is crucial for tracking resident admissions and aligning care assessments with their time in the facility.

Step 1: Identify the Resident's Admission Date

Start by identifying the exact date the resident was admitted to the facility. This date is typically documented in the admission paperwork and the resident's medical record.

Example:

If a resident was admitted on March 15, 2023, this is the date you will use for Section A1600.

Step 2: Verify the Admission Date

Cross-reference the admission date with multiple sources to ensure accuracy. These sources can include admission agreements, hospital discharge summaries, and communication with the admissions department.

Example:

Check the hospital discharge summary that indicates the resident was discharged to your facility on March 15, 2023, confirming the admission date.

Step 3: Code the Entry Date in Section A1600

Enter the verified admission date into Section A1600 of the MDS 3.0. Ensure the format follows the MM/DD/YYYY format as required by the MDS.

Example:

For an admission date of March 15, 2023, you would code Section A1600 as 03/15/2023.

Step 4: Review for Accuracy

Double-check the entered date for accuracy against your sources. Mistakes in the entry date can affect the scheduling of assessments and the accuracy of the care planning process.

Example:

Re-confirm that the date entered matches the date on the admission agreement and hospital discharge summary.

Step 5: Update as Necessary

If the resident has multiple entries into the facility (e.g., after a hospital stay), update the entry date in Section A1600 each time the resident is readmitted to reflect the most recent entry.

Example:

If the resident was readmitted on June 20, 2023, after a hospital stay, update Section A1600 to 06/20/2023.

Common Errors to Avoid:

• Using the date of the MDS assessment instead of the actual entry date.
• Failing to update the entry date after a resident's re-entry into the facility.

Best Practices:

• Establish a routine verification process for admission dates as part of the MDS coding workflow.
• Regularly communicate with the admissions department to ensure you have the most current and accurate entry information.

The Step-by-Step Coding Guide for item A1600 in MDS 3.0 Section A is based on the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.18.11, dated October 2023. Please note that healthcare guidelines, policies, and regulations can undergo frequent updates. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure they are referencing the most current version of the MDS 3.0 manual. This guide aims to assist with understanding and applying the coding procedures as outlined in the referenced manual version. However, in cases where there are updates or changes to the manual after the mentioned date, users should refer to the latest version of the manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The guide should not substitute for professional judgment and the consultation of the latest regulatory guidelines in the healthcare field.