O0110J1c. Treatment: Dialysis- At Discharge, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set: O0110J1c, Treatment: Dialysis- At Discharge

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Determine if dialysis treatment was administered at the time of discharge. Key Points:

• Review the resident's medical records closely around the discharge period for documentation of dialysis treatment.
• Focus on identifying details in physician orders, medication administration records (MARs), nursing assessments, and dialysis treatment logs.
• Document the type of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), frequency, any complications noted, and specifically if the treatment occurred on the day of discharge.

2. Understanding Definitions

Objective: Clarify what constitutes dialysis treatment at discharge. Key Points:

• Dialysis is a medical procedure that replicates kidney function by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood for individuals with renal failure.
• There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis (HD), which is typically done in a clinic or hospital setting, and peritoneal dialysis (PD), which can be done at home.
• Understanding the type and scheduling of dialysis is crucial for accurate documentation and coding at discharge.

3. Coding Instructions

Objective: Accurately code for dialysis treatment administered at the time of discharge. Key Points:

• Code '1' if the resident underwent dialysis treatment on the day of discharge.
• Ensure the coding reflects the actual administration of dialysis treatment, as verified through medical records, not just planned or ordered treatments.
• Include information about both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments if applicable.

4. Coding Tips

Objective: Ensure precision in coding dialysis treatments at discharge. Key Points:

• Confirm the exact discharge date and cross-reference with dialysis treatment records to ensure accurate coding.
• Clarify any ambiguities in documentation with the healthcare team, particularly regarding the location and execution of the last dialysis session before discharge.
• Pay attention to dialysis that is initiated in preparation for discharge to home or another facility, ensuring it is accurately captured.

5. Documentation

Objective: Maintain comprehensive documentation for dialysis treatment at discharge. Key Points:

• Document the specifics of the dialysis treatment administered on the day of discharge, including type, duration, and any observations or complications.
• Note any instructions or care plans related to ongoing dialysis treatment post-discharge, including follow-up appointments or home dialysis care setups.
• Ensure that any changes in dialysis regimen or complications leading up to discharge are clearly documented in the discharge summary.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

Objective: Identify and mitigate frequent documentation and coding errors. Key Points:

• Failing to code dialysis treatments administered on the day of discharge due to oversight or incomplete documentation.
• Mistaking plans or orders for dialysis as actual administration, leading to incorrect coding if the treatment was not executed.
• Incomplete documentation of the dialysis type, frequency, or specific care instructions for post-discharge management.

7. Practical Application

Objective: Apply coding and documentation practices to real-world examples. Key Points:

• Scenario: A resident receiving hemodialysis three times a week is discharged on a day they received treatment. Detail the coding process for this scenario, emphasizing the importance of capturing the treatment accurately and documenting the resident's post-discharge dialysis plan.
• Engage in coding exercises using hypothetical scenarios to practice identifying and coding dialysis treatments at discharge, focusing on the details necessary for accurate documentation.
• Discuss real-life case studies in staff meetings, focusing on the challenges and best practices in documenting and coding dialysis treatments at discharge, and the importance of clear communication for continuity of care.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set O0110J1c 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.