Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0170A3: Roll Left and Right (Discharge Performance)

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0170A3: Roll Left and Right (Discharge Performance)

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item GG0170A3 evaluates the resident’s ability to roll from left to right and vice versa at discharge. This measure helps determine whether the resident’s mobility has improved, declined, or stayed the same, aiding in the development of a comprehensive post-discharge care plan.

What is MDS Item GG0170A3?

Explanation:
GG0170A3 captures how much assistance a resident requires to roll from side to side in bed at the time of discharge. This information is critical for understanding the resident’s mobility needs and ensuring that proper support is arranged after they leave the facility.

Guidelines for Coding GG0170A3

Coding Instructions:
Use the standard six-point scale to code the resident's performance:

• 06 (Independent): The resident can roll independently without any assistance.
• 05 (Setup or clean-up assistance): The resident can roll on their own, but someone needs to prepare the environment, such as removing pillows.
• 04 (Supervision or touching assistance): The resident can roll with supervision or light touch to help initiate or stabilize movement.
• 03 (Partial/moderate assistance): The resident can complete more than half of the task but requires assistance with the rest.
• 02 (Substantial/maximal assistance): The resident can complete less than half of the task and needs significant help to roll.
• 01 (Dependent): The resident cannot participate in the activity, and the helper performs the entire task.

Example Scenario:
Resident E can initiate rolling to their right side but requires assistance to complete the roll and reposition. Code GG0170A3 as 03 (Partial/moderate assistance), reflecting the amount of help needed to complete the movement.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:

Document the resident’s mobility performance in the three days leading up to discharge. Ensure that this reflects the resident’s usual ability rather than a single observation.

Communication:

Facilitate interdisciplinary communication to ensure that all team members provide input on the resident’s rolling ability. This ensures an accurate understanding of mobility at discharge, which is vital for post-discharge planning.

Training:

Provide regular training to staff on how to assess rolling abilities objectively, using the six-point scale, without influencing the resident’s movement.

Conclusion

Summary:
Accurate coding of GG0170A3 ensures that the resident’s mobility at discharge is well understood, allowing for a smooth transition to their next care setting. It helps identify whether continued therapy or assistance will be necessary to support the resident’s mobility needs post-discharge.

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

Reference

Refer to the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Chapter 3, Page GG-48 for detailed guidelines.

Disclaimer

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. Always consult the most recent manual for any updates.