MDS 3.0 Item D0150B1: PHQ Response - Presence of Feeling Down or Depressed

MDS 3.0 Item D0150B1: PHQ Response - Presence of Feeling Down or Depressed

Introduction

Purpose: Assessing mood is an essential part of resident care in long-term care facilities, as mood disorders like depression can significantly impact a resident's quality of life. MDS Item D0150B1 specifically addresses the presence of feelings of being down or depressed as part of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Accurate coding of this item is vital in identifying residents who may be struggling with depression, allowing for appropriate interventions and support.

What is MDS Item D0150B1?

Explanation: MDS Item D0150B1 is a component of the PHQ-9 interview under Section D: Mood. This item focuses on determining whether the resident has experienced feelings of being down, depressed, or hopeless over the last two weeks. Identifying the presence of these feelings is crucial as they are key indicators of depression, influencing both the resident’s mental health assessment and care plan.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item D0150B1

Coding Instructions: To code MDS Item D0150B1, the interviewer asks the resident if they have felt down, depressed, or hopeless over the past two weeks. The coding is straightforward, based on the resident’s response:

• 0 - No: The resident has not experienced feelings of being down, depressed, or hopeless.
• 1 - Yes: The resident has experienced these feelings.

Example Scenario: If a resident reports that they have been feeling down or depressed occasionally over the last two weeks, you would code D0150B1 as 1 - Yes. If the resident indicates they have not had such feelings, you would code 0 - No.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation: Carefully document the resident’s responses and any relevant observations that support the coding decision. This documentation is crucial for ensuring an accurate assessment and for justifying the coding choice in the resident's medical record.

Communication: Ensure effective communication between all members of the interdisciplinary team. Sharing information about the resident's mood is important for developing a comprehensive care plan that addresses all aspects of the resident's well-being.

Training: Regular training for staff on conducting the PHQ-9 interview is essential. This training should emphasize sensitivity and accuracy when discussing potentially distressing topics like feelings of depression with residents.

Conclusion

Summary: Accurately coding MDS Item D0150B1 is critical for identifying residents who may be experiencing depression. By following the guidelines and best practices for this item, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are providing the necessary support and interventions to improve the resident's mental health and overall quality of life.

Click here to see a detailed Step-by-Step on how to complete this item set.

Reference

This guide is based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Page D-5.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item D0150B1: "PHQ Response - Presence of Feeling Down or Depressed" was originally based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024. 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.