GG0170Q1: Use of Wheelchair/Scooter (Admission Performance), Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for GG0170Q1: Use of Wheelchair/Scooter (Admission Performance)

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Determine if the resident used a wheelchair or scooter for mobility during the admission assessment period.

Actions:

• Access the resident’s medical records, including nursing notes, therapy assessments, and mobility records.
• Identify whether the resident has used a wheelchair or scooter for self-mobility at any time during the 3-day admission assessment period.

2. Understanding Definitions

GG0170Q1: Use of Wheelchair/Scooter: This item captures whether the resident used a manual or motorized wheelchair or scooter during the assessment period for self-mobilization (not for transport only).

Illustration 1:

• Scenario: A resident is using a manual wheelchair for mobility due to a recent surgery that limits their walking ability.
• Result: GG0170Q1 is coded "Yes" to indicate the resident used a wheelchair for self-mobilization.

3. Coding Instructions

Step-by-Step:

• Step 1: Review the medical records to confirm whether the resident used a wheelchair or scooter during the admission assessment period.
• Step 2: If the resident used a wheelchair or scooter for self-mobilization (not merely for transportation by staff or family), code GG0170Q1 as 1: Yes.
• Step 3: If no wheelchair or scooter was used, or it was only used for transportation by others, code GG0170Q1 as 0: No.

Illustration 2:

• Scenario: A resident with severe osteoarthritis uses a wheelchair for mobility around the facility.
• Result: GG0170Q1 is coded "Yes" to indicate the use of a wheelchair.

4. Coding Tips

• Self-Mobilization vs. Transportation: Only code "Yes" if the wheelchair or scooter was used for self-mobility. If it was used solely for transportation by staff or family (e.g., being pushed between rooms), code 0: No.
• Check for Daily Use: Ensure the wheelchair or scooter was used at least once during the 3-day assessment period.

5. Documentation

Objective: Ensure proper documentation of the resident’s use of a wheelchair or scooter for self-mobility.

Actions:

• Record whether the resident used a manual or motorized wheelchair or scooter and the frequency of use.
• Document any assistance needed (e.g., supervision or physical help) and how the wheelchair or scooter was utilized for self-mobility.

Illustration 3:

• Scenario: A resident uses a motorized scooter due to weakness and limited endurance, and the nurse provides occasional supervision for safety.
• Documentation: Ensure that the use of the motorized scooter is documented in the resident’s care plan, and GG0170Q1 is coded "Yes."

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassifying Transport Use: Do not code GG0170Q1 as "Yes" if the wheelchair or scooter was used only for transport by others.
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure clear documentation is available confirming the resident’s use of the device for self-mobilization during the assessment period.

Illustration 4:

• Scenario: A resident is pushed in a wheelchair by staff between therapy sessions but does not self-mobilize.
• Error: Code GG0170Q1 as 0: No since the resident did not use the wheelchair for self-mobility.

7. Practical Application

• Example 1: A resident uses a motorized wheelchair to navigate around the facility independently. GG0170Q1 is coded "Yes."
• Example 2: A resident is transported in a wheelchair between rooms by staff but does not use it for self-mobility. GG0170Q1 is coded "No."

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set GG0170Q1 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.