Step-by-Step Coding Guide for GG0170I1: Walk 10 Feet (Admission Performance)

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Determine if the resident can walk 10 feet during the admission assessment period.

Actions:

• Review mobility flow sheets, nursing notes, and therapy assessments in the resident’s medical record.
• Directly observe the resident walking 10 feet or rely on reports from qualified clinicians or family members.

2. Understanding Definitions

GG0170I1: Walk 10 Feet: This item assesses the resident’s ability to walk 10 feet, including any assistance or mobility aids required during the 3-day admission assessment period.

Example Scenarios:

• Resident C has Parkinson’s disease and needs a therapist to assist with walking 10 feet using a walker, with the therapist advancing the walker and initiating foot movement. This requires substantial assistance, so it would be coded 02: Substantial/maximal assistance​.

• Resident O, with tremors and leg weakness, walks 10 feet using a rolling walker. The therapist provides partial assistance during the final few feet by steadying and guiding, making the coding 03: Partial/moderate assistance​.

3. Coding Instructions

Step-by-Step:

• Step 1: Assess the resident’s ability to walk 10 feet, considering whether any assistance or devices were used.
• Step 2: Based on observation or reports, determine the level of assistance needed:
  • 06: Independent: No assistance required.
  • 05: Setup or clean-up assistance: Help is needed only for preparation (e.g., setting up the walker).
  • 04: Supervision or touching assistance: The helper provides only verbal cues or light touch.
  • 03: Partial/moderate assistance: The helper provides less than half the effort.
  • 02: Substantial/maximal assistance: The helper provides more than half the effort.
  • 01: Dependent: The resident requires full assistance or two helpers​​.

Illustration 1:

• Scenario: Resident O uses a walker and needs a therapist to assist with weight-bearing for the last 2 feet of the 10-foot walk.
• Result: GG0170I1 is coded 03: Partial/moderate assistance​.

4. Coding Tips

• Assistive Devices: Using a walker, cane, or other assistive device does not affect coding unless a helper contributes to the effort.
• Record Usual Performance: If the resident’s performance varies, code based on their usual performance during the assessment period, not their best or worst performance​​.

5. Documentation

Objective: Ensure the resident’s walking ability and level of assistance required are clearly documented.

Actions:

• Record any assistance provided by a helper and the mobility aid used (e.g., walker).
• Document the resident’s mobility plan in the care record, noting their ability to walk 10 feet independently or with help.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassifying Assistance Levels: Ensure the proper coding for the level of assistance based on how much effort the helper provides.
• Incomplete Documentation: Do not code GG0170I1 unless the resident’s ability to walk 10 feet is clearly documented in the medical record.

7. Practical Application

• Example 1: A resident walks 10 feet independently using a walker with no assistance from others. GG0170I1 is coded 06: Independent.
• Example 2: A resident with severe tremors needs a therapist to advance their walker and support them while walking. GG0170I1 is coded 02: Substantial/maximal assistance​.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set GG0170I1 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.