P0200A. Bed alarm

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set P0200A: Bed Alarm

1. Review of Medical Records

• Begin by examining the resident’s medical record, including physician orders, nurses’ notes, and nursing assistant documentation, for any mention of bed alarm use during the 7-day look-back period.
• Pay special attention to documented reasons for the bed alarm use, such as fall risk assessments, incidents of falls, or other safety concerns.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Bed Alarm: A device, such as a sensor pad placed on the bed or a device that clips to the resident's clothing, designed to alert staff by audible or inaudible means when a resident attempts to leave the bed .

3. Coding Instructions

• Code 0, Not Used: If the bed alarm was not used at any time (day or night) during the 7-day look-back period.
• Code 1, Used Less Than Daily: If the bed alarm was used less than daily during the look-back period.
• Code 2, Used Daily: If the bed alarm was used on a daily basis during the look-back period .

4. Coding Tips

• Ensure accurate coding by verifying the frequency of bed alarm use. If usage varies within the look-back period, determine whether it was used more or less than daily.
• Consider any changes in the resident’s condition or care plan that might have led to the initiation or cessation of bed alarm use during the look-back period.

5. Documentation

• Document the specific type of bed alarm used, reasons for its use, and any resident outcomes or incidents related to its use.
• Include information about any interventions implemented to reduce reliance on the bed alarm and promote resident safety.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassification: Ensure the device meets the criteria for a bed alarm and is not another type of monitoring device.
• Inaccurate Frequency Reporting: Avoid inaccuracies in reporting the frequency of bed alarm use by thoroughly reviewing the entire 7-day look-back period.

7. Practical Application

Example: A resident identified as a high fall risk due to recent surgery and medication changes has a bed alarm placed under their mattress. The bed alarm is set to alert staff if the resident attempts to get up without assistance. It is used every night during the look-back period.

• Coding: For this resident, you would code P0200A as "2, Used Daily" since the bed alarm was activated each night for safety reasons.

The Step-by-Step Coding Guide for item P0200A in MDS 3.0 Section P is based on the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.18.11, dated October 2023. Healthcare guidelines, policies, and regulations can undergo frequent updates. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure they are referencing the most current version of the MDS 3.0 manual. This guide aims to assist with understanding and applying the coding procedures as outlined in the referenced manual version. However, in cases where there are updates or changes to the manual after the mentioned date, users should refer to the latest version of the manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The guide should not substitute for professional judgment and the consultation of the latest regulatory guidelines in the healthcare field.