J2910: Major Surgery - GI Tract and Abdominal Contents, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set J2910: Major Surgery - GI Tract and Abdominal Contents from the Esophagus to the Anus, the Biliary Tree, Gall Bladder, Liver, Pancreas, Spleen—Open or Laparoscopic

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: Gather accurate information regarding the resident’s major surgery involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and abdominal contents.
• Steps:
  1. Collect Information: Review the resident’s comprehensive medical records, including surgical reports, physician notes, nursing notes, diagnostic test results, and previous assessments.
  2. Identify Surgery Documentation: Look for documented instances of major surgery on the GI tract and abdominal contents, specifying whether the procedure was open or laparoscopic.
  3. Confirm Details: Verify the consistency and accuracy of the surgical documentation through various sources within the medical records.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Major Surgery: A surgical procedure that involves significant risk to the patient, typically involving the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal organs.
• GI Tract and Abdominal Contents: Includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and biliary tree.
• Open Surgery: A traditional surgical method involving a large incision to access the organs.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical method using small incisions and a camera.

3. Coding Instructions

• Steps:
  1. Identify Relevant Surgery: Confirm that the resident has undergone major surgery involving the GI tract and abdominal contents.
  2. Verify Documentation: Ensure the surgery is clearly documented in the surgical reports or physician notes, specifying whether it was open or laparoscopic.
  3. Code Appropriately: Code J2910 as "1" if the resident has documented evidence of the specified major surgery, and "0" if they do not.

4. Coding Tips

• Accurate Identification: Ensure the surgery specifically involves the GI tract and abdominal organs and is supported by detailed surgical reports.
• Consistent Terminology: Use consistent terminology when documenting and coding the resident’s surgery.
• Consult Surgeons: If there is any uncertainty, consult with the attending surgeon or physician for clarification.

5. Documentation

• Required:
  • Surgical Reports: Detailed reports of the major surgery performed, specifying the organs involved and the type of procedure (open or laparoscopic).
  • Physician Notes: Documented diagnosis and surgical details by a physician or surgeon.
  • Nursing Notes: Include observations from nursing staff detailing the resident’s condition post-surgery and recovery.
  • Discharge Summaries: Include information about the surgery and any post-operative care instructions.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassification: Ensure accurate classification by verifying the nature of the surgery through multiple records and consultations.
• Incomplete Documentation: Make sure all relevant surgical reports, physician notes, and nursing observations are included.
• Assumptions: Do not assume the type of surgery without proper documentation and verification.

7. Practical Application

• Example:
  • Resident Profile: John, a 75-year-old resident, underwent laparoscopic surgery for a pancreatic tumor.
  • Steps:
    1. Review Records: The nurse reviews John’s medical records, including the surgical report detailing the laparoscopic surgery on his pancreas.
    2. Identify Surgery: It is confirmed that John’s surgery involved the GI tract and was performed laparoscopically.
    3. Document and Code: The nurse documents the details in John’s records and codes J2910 as "1".
  • Outcome: John’s major surgery involving the GI tract is accurately documented and coded, ensuring proper follow-up and care planning.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set J2910 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.