Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0110Z: None of the Above

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0110Z: None of the Above

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item GG0110Z is used to document when a resident has not utilized any of the listed assistive devices or mobility aids prior to their current illness, injury, or exacerbation. This coding ensures that mobility device usage is accurately captured, which is critical for accurate resident assessment and care planning. This article outlines the correct coding procedures for Item GG0110Z and provides tips for accurate documentation.

What is MDS Item GG0110Z?

Explanation:
Item GG0110Z is selected when a resident did not use any of the mobility devices listed in GG0110A through GG0110E (such as manual or motorized wheelchairs, scooters, mechanical lifts, walkers, orthotics, or prosthetics). It serves as the "none of the above" option, ensuring that assessors accurately capture the resident's mobility without overreporting the use of devices.

Guidelines for Coding GG0110Z

Coding Instructions:

• GG0110Z should be checked if the resident did not use any of the following mobility aids prior to the illness or injury that led to their admission to the facility:
  • Manual or motorized wheelchairs.
  • Scooters.
  • Mechanical lifts.
  • Walkers.
  • Orthotics or prosthetics.
• Ensure that none of these devices were used before the resident’s admission. If even one of the devices was in use, another item from GG0110 should be selected instead.

Example Scenario:
Resident P, who was admitted following a minor stroke, had no prior need for assistive devices like a wheelchair, walker, or orthotics before admission. Given this background, GG0110Z would be selected since none of the devices listed in GG0110 were used by the resident prior to the stroke.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:
To ensure accurate coding, review the resident's medical history and communicate with family members or caregivers. If the resident had been independent in mobility without the use of assistive devices before admission, this information should be clearly documented.

Communication:
Work closely with nursing staff, physical therapists, and the resident’s family to confirm the absence of any assistive device use prior to admission. This will help ensure accurate completion of MDS Item GG0110Z.

Training:
Provide training to MDS assessors on when to appropriately use "none of the above" options in the MDS. This will help prevent errors and ensure compliance with MDS coding standards.

Conclusion

Correctly coding MDS Item GG0110Z ensures that a resident's lack of need for assistive devices before their current illness is accurately documented. By following the coding guidelines and best practices, healthcare providers can ensure comprehensive care planning and avoid unnecessary use of assistive device codes.

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

Reference:

CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Chapter 3, Page GG-10 .

Disclaimer:

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item GG0110Z: None of the Above 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.