Understanding and Coding MDS Item A2200: Previous Assessment Reference Date for Significant Correction

Understanding and Coding MDS Item A2200: Previous Assessment Reference Date for Significant Correction

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item A2200, "Previous Assessment Reference Date for Significant Correction," is used to document the Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of a previously submitted assessment that requires a significant correction. This item is crucial when a facility needs to correct an error in a prior MDS assessment that could impact the resident’s care plan, reimbursement, or other key aspects of their treatment. Accurately recording the previous ARD ensures that the correction is linked to the correct assessment, allowing for an accurate and complete resident record.

What is MDS Item A2200?

Explanation:
MDS Item A2200 is part of Section A, which captures administrative and demographic information about the resident. This specific item documents the Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of the previous MDS assessment that requires correction due to an error. The ARD is the final day of the observation period, and it is critical in determining the time frame for the data collected.

A significant correction to a previous assessment may be necessary if errors are found that could affect the accuracy of the assessment, which may, in turn, influence the resident’s care plan or Medicare reimbursement. These corrections often occur in situations where incorrect data has been submitted regarding the resident’s health, care needs, or functional status.

• Relevance: Correcting errors in MDS assessments ensures that the resident’s care plan and any financial decisions based on the assessment are accurate and up to date. The ARD of the previous assessment serves as the anchor for the corrected data.
• Importance: Proper coding of A2200 ensures that the correction is applied to the right assessment and that the resident’s care and treatment are based on accurate information.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item A2200

Coding Instructions:

1. Identify the Previous ARD:
   Review the resident’s MDS assessment history to identify the Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of the previous assessment that requires correction. The ARD is typically documented in Section A of the original assessment.

2. Enter the Correct ARD in A2200:

   • Enter the date (MM/DD/YYYY) of the previous ARD into Item A2200. This date should correspond to the assessment that is being corrected, not the date of the correction itself.
   • Ensure the date is accurate and matches the ARD recorded in the original assessment that requires a significant correction.

3. Documentation Requirements:
   Ensure that all corrections are documented in the resident’s medical record, including the reason for the correction, the data being corrected, and the new ARD. This helps maintain a clear audit trail and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

4. Verification:
   Double-check that the ARD entered in A2200 matches the ARD of the original assessment. This ensures that the correction is applied to the correct assessment and timeframe.

Example Scenario:
A previous MDS assessment for Mrs. Smith had an ARD of 02/15/2024 but was found to contain incorrect information regarding her mobility status. A significant correction is required. In this case, 02/15/2024 is entered in A2200 to identify the assessment that needs to be corrected.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Accurate Record-Keeping:
Ensure that all assessments and corrections are documented clearly in the resident’s medical record. This includes the ARD of the original assessment, the reason for the correction, and the corrected data.

Verification Process:
Implement a verification process to ensure that any corrections to MDS assessments are accurate and necessary. This process should involve reviewing the original assessment, identifying the error, and confirming the correct ARD for documentation in A2200.

Staff Training:
Provide ongoing training for staff on the importance of accurate MDS coding and the process for making significant corrections. Staff should understand how to locate the ARD in previous assessments and how to document corrections correctly in the MDS.

Conclusion

MDS Item A2200 is critical for documenting the previous Assessment Reference Date (ARD) when making a significant correction to a prior MDS assessment. Accurate coding of this item ensures that the correction is applied to the correct assessment, safeguarding the integrity of the resident’s medical record and care plan. Proper documentation, verification, and staff training are essential to ensuring that corrections are handled appropriately and in compliance with regulations.

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

Reference

For more detailed guidelines on coding MDS Item A2200, 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, Section A, Page 3-11.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item A2200: "Previous Assessment Reference Date for Significant Correction" 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.