F0400G: Resident Interview - Use Phone in Private, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Guide to Coding MDS Item F0400G: "Resident Interview - Use Phone in Private"

1. Overview: F0400G focuses on determining how important it is for the resident to use the phone privately. This preference plays a role in ensuring that their communication needs are respected, supporting autonomy and privacy.

2. Item Purpose:

• Assess the resident’s preference for using the phone without being overheard, which is vital for maintaining privacy in communication.
• This information helps to adjust the care plan according to the resident's desire for personal space.

3. Steps for Coding F0400G:

• Step 1: Conduct the Interview

  • Interview the resident in a private, quiet setting.
  • Explain the purpose of the question, emphasizing the need for the facility to understand how important it is to the resident to have privacy during phone conversations.

• Step 2: Present Response Options Using a Cue Card

  • Provide the resident with a cue card listing the response options. Read and explain these choices:
    • 1 – Very Important
    • 2 – Somewhat Important
    • 3 – Not Very Important
    • 4 – Not Important At All
    • 5 – Important, but Can’t Do/No Choice

• Step 3: Clarify Responses

  • Ask follow-up questions to clarify any ambiguous answers. For example, if the resident says, “I don’t mind, I usually have my own room,” clarify by asking, “Would you say being able to use the phone privately is very important, somewhat important, or not important at all?”

4. Coding Examples:

• Example 1: "Very Important"
  The resident responds, “It’s very important to me to talk privately when I’m on the phone.”

  • Coding: F0400G would be coded as 1 – Very Important.

• Example 2: "No Privacy Issues"
  The resident mentions they have no concerns about privacy because they have a private room and can close the door.

  • Coding: F0400G would be coded as 3 – Not Very Important.

5. Documentation Tips:

• Ensure accurate documentation of the resident’s preference for privacy when using the phone in their care plan.
• Care plans should reflect any modifications needed, such as arranging private spaces or specific times for phone use.

6. Strategies for Care Planning:

• Incorporate the resident’s preference for private phone use into their care plan, ensuring they have access to a phone in a way that respects their privacy.
• Coordinate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure that facilities (like private rooms or designated phone areas) are available for residents who rate privacy highly.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0400G 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.