Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item A2124A: Route of Current Reconciled Medication List Transmission (EHR to Resident/Family/Caregiver)

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item A2124A: Route of Current Reconciled Medication List Transmission (EHR to Resident/Family/Caregiver)

Introduction

Purpose: The accurate transmission of a reconciled medication list is critical in ensuring the resident and their caregivers have the necessary information to manage medications safely post-discharge. MDS Item A2124A focuses on whether this list was transmitted electronically via an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to the resident, their family, or caregiver. Proper documentation and coding of this item are essential to demonstrate compliance with best practices in care transitions.

What is MDS Item A2124A?

Explanation: MDS Item A2124A documents the method used to transmit the reconciled medication list to the resident, family, or caregiver at the time of discharge. Specifically, it records whether the transmission occurred through an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This item is critical in tracking the use of technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of information transfer during the discharge process.

Guidelines for Coding A2124A

Coding Instructions:

1. Step 1: Verify if the reconciled medication list was transmitted via the facility’s EHR system.

2. Step 2: Ensure that the transmission was directed to the correct recipient, which could be the resident, a family member, or another designated caregiver.

3. Step 3: Code '1' if the transmission occurred via EHR to the resident, family, or caregiver. Code '0' if the transmission did not occur via EHR.

   • Code 1: Indicates that the reconciled medication list was successfully transmitted via EHR.
   • Code 0: Indicates that the transmission was not conducted through EHR.

Example Scenario: Mr. Johnson is being discharged from the facility, and his reconciled medication list is prepared. The list is then transmitted electronically through the facility’s EHR system directly to his daughter, who is his primary caregiver. In this case, MDS Item A2124A should be coded as '1'.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:

• Ensure that the transmission of the medication list via EHR is clearly documented in the resident’s discharge records.
• Include details such as the date of transmission, recipient’s details, and confirmation of receipt if available.

Communication:

• Confirm with the resident or their caregiver that they have received the medication list and understand the information provided.
• Follow up with the recipient to address any questions or concerns regarding the transmitted information.

Training:

• Train staff on the use of the EHR system to ensure they are proficient in transmitting documents and verifying successful transmission.
• Conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance with the EHR transmission protocols.

Conclusion

Summary: Coding MDS Item A2124A accurately is crucial for documenting that the reconciled medication list was transmitted via EHR, which is a best practice in ensuring efficient and safe communication during the discharge process. This documentation supports the continuity of care and helps prevent medication errors after the resident leaves the facility.

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

Reference

• Refer to CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, specifically Chapter 3, Page A-13, for detailed coding instructions on MDS Item A2124A.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set MDS 3.0 Item A2124A: "Route of Current Reconciled Medication List Transmission (EHR to Resident/Family/Caregiver)" 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.