A0600B: Medicare Number, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set A0600B: Medicare Number

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: Accurately determine and document the resident's Medicare number.
• Steps:
  1. Collect Information: Review the resident’s comprehensive medical records, including enrollment forms, Medicare card, billing records, and previous assessments.
  2. Identify Documentation of Medicare Number: Look for documented instances where the resident’s Medicare number is noted.
  3. Confirm Details: Verify the consistency and accuracy of the documentation across various sources within the medical records.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Medicare Number: The unique identification number assigned to an individual enrolled in the Medicare program.
  • Key Points:
    • Typically found on the resident’s Medicare card.
    • Used for billing and identification purposes in healthcare settings.

3. Coding Instructions

• Steps:
  1. Identify Relevant Documentation: Confirm through the medical records the resident’s Medicare number.
  2. Verify Documentation: Ensure that the Medicare number is clearly noted and consistent across all records.
  3. Code Appropriately: Enter the resident’s Medicare number in item set A0600B:
     • Ensure the number is entered exactly as it appears on the Medicare card.
     • Include any letters and numbers as they appear.

4. Coding Tips

• Accurate Identification: Ensure the Medicare number is correctly identified and supported by relevant documentation.
• Consistent Terminology: Use consistent terminology and phrasing when documenting and coding the Medicare number.
• Verification: Double-check the Medicare number for accuracy to prevent any discrepancies.

5. Documentation

• Required:
  • Medicare Card: A copy of the resident’s Medicare card showing the Medicare number.
  • Enrollment Forms: Forms that include the resident’s Medicare number.
  • Billing Records: Records that contain the Medicare number for billing purposes.
  • Previous Assessments: Any previous assessments that have documented the Medicare number.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassification: Ensure the Medicare number is correctly identified and entered accurately.
• Incomplete Documentation: Make sure all relevant documents, such as the Medicare card and billing records, are included to support the Medicare number documented.
• Transcription Errors: Double-check the Medicare number to avoid any transcription errors.

7. Practical Application

• Example:
  • Resident Profile: John, a 78-year-old resident, has his Medicare number documented in various records.
  • Steps:
    1. Review Records: The nurse reviews John’s medical records, including his Medicare card, enrollment forms, and billing records, to find his Medicare number.
    2. Identify Medicare Number: It is confirmed through the documentation that John’s Medicare number is correctly noted as “1EG4-TE5-MK72”.
    3. Document and Code: The nurse documents John’s Medicare number in his records and codes A0600B as “1EG4-TE5-MK72”.
  • Outcome: John’s Medicare number is accurately documented and coded, ensuring proper identification and billing.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set A0600B was originally based on the CMS's RAI Version 3.0 Manual, October 2023 edition. Every effort will be made to update it to the most current version. The MDS 3.0 Manual is typically updated every October. If there are no changes to the Item Set, there will be no changes to this guide. This guidance is intended to assist healthcare professionals, particularly new nurses or MDS coordinators, in understanding and applying the correct coding procedures for this specific item within MDS 3.0. 

The guide is not a substitute for professional judgment or the facility’s policies. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes or updates in the MDS 3.0 manual or relevant CMS regulations. The guide does not cover all potential scenarios and should not be used as a sole resource for MDS 3.0 coding. 

Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective practices.