M1200E. Skin/ulcer treatment: pressure ulcer/injury, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set M1200E: Skin/Ulcer Treatment: Pressure Ulcer/Injury

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Identify all treatments related to pressure ulcers/injuries.

• Key Points:
  • Examine the resident's medical records for documentation of pressure ulcers/injuries, including nursing assessments, wound care specialist notes, and treatment plans.
  • Note any mention of specific interventions, treatments, or wound care products used in the management of pressure ulcers/injuries.

2. Understanding Definitions

Objective: Clarify what constitutes treatment for pressure ulcers/injuries.

• Key Points:
  • Pressure Ulcer/Injury Treatment: Includes any intervention specifically aimed at treating pressure ulcers or injuries, such as topical medications, wound dressings, debridement, use of support surfaces, and any other measures to promote healing and prevent deterioration.

3. Coding Instructions

Objective: Provide guidelines for accurately coding treatments for pressure ulcers/injuries in the MDS.

• Key Points:
  • Code "Yes" for M1200E if the resident has received any treatment for pressure ulcers/injuries during the assessment period.
  • Include treatments for all stages of pressure ulcers/injuries.

4. Coding Tips

Objective: Offer practical advice to ensure comprehensive coding for pressure ulcer/injury treatments.

• Key Points:
  • Ensure that treatments are linked specifically to pressure ulcer/injury care and not general skin care.
  • Review the treatment regimen for changes during the assessment period and code accordingly.

5. Documentation

Objective: Highlight essential documentation practices for pressure ulcer/injury treatments.

• Key Points:
  • Document the specific type and stage of pressure ulcers/injuries being treated.
  • Include detailed records of all treatments applied, including the type of dressing, frequency of dressing changes, any topical or systemic medications, and use of therapeutic support surfaces.
  • Regularly update documentation to reflect the current status of ulcers/injuries and modifications to the treatment plan.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

Objective: Identify and prevent common mistakes in coding and documentation.

• Key Points:
  • Failing to code for pressure ulcer/injury treatments because they are part of routine care.
  • Overlooking treatments for early-stage pressure injuries.
  • Not updating the MDS and care plan when treatment strategies change.

7. Practical Application

Objective: Apply the coding instructions to a realistic example involving pressure ulcer/injury treatment.

• Key Points:
  • Scenario: A resident with a Stage II pressure ulcer on the sacrum is receiving daily saline moistened gauze dressing changes and a high-density foam mattress is used to reduce pressure.
  • Coding: Code "Yes" for M1200E. Document the presence of a Stage II pressure ulcer, the treatment plan (daily saline gauze dressing changes, high-density foam mattress), and the rationale behind each treatment choice (moist wound healing environment, pressure redistribution).
  • Follow-Up: Monitor the ulcer’s healing progress, document any changes in treatment based on the wound’s response, and adjust the care plan as necessary.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set M1200E 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.