L0200E: Dental - Inflamed or Bleeding Gums or Loose Teeth, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for L0200E: Dental - Inflamed or Bleeding Gums or Loose Teeth

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Confirm whether the resident has inflamed or bleeding gums or loose natural teeth during the assessment period.
Actions:

• Access the resident’s medical records, including dental assessments, oral care notes, and any dental consults.
• Verify documentation of inflamed or bleeding gums (signs such as redness, swelling, or bleeding).
• Identify any loose teeth by reviewing notes that indicate movement of teeth when light pressure is applied.

2. Understanding Definitions

L0200E: Inflamed or Bleeding Gums, Loose Teeth:

• Inflamed or Bleeding Gums: Gums appear irritated, red, swollen, or are actively bleeding.
• Loose Teeth: Natural teeth that readily move or shift when applying light pressure during an examination​​.

Illustration:

Scenario: A resident with gum disease presents with red, swollen gums, and during an oral exam, the gums begin to bleed. Additionally, the resident’s natural teeth move easily when light pressure is applied.

Result: L0200E is coded "Yes" due to the presence of both inflamed gums and loose teeth.

3. Coding Instructions

Step-by-Step:

• Step 1: Review the dental assessments to identify the presence of red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
• Step 2: Examine whether any natural teeth are loose, using visual and tactile observation.
• Step 3: If inflamed or bleeding gums or loose teeth are noted, mark L0200E as "Yes".
• Step 4: If no issues are found with the gums or teeth, mark L0200E as "No".

Illustration:

Scenario: A resident's oral assessment reveals bleeding gums during brushing but no loose teeth are observed.

Result: L0200E is coded "Yes" based on the presence of bleeding gums.

4. Coding Tips

• Examine Thoroughly: Use both visual and tactile methods to assess for inflamed gums and loose teeth, ensuring a comprehensive oral examination​.
• Exclude Non-Dental Issues: This item should only be coded for dental issues related to gums and natural teeth. Do not code it if the issues are related to dentures or partials.

5. Documentation

Objective: Ensure the presence of dental conditions such as inflamed gums or loose teeth is clearly documented.
Actions:

• Record the condition of the gums, noting any redness, swelling, or bleeding during the oral examination.
• Document the mobility of natural teeth if any are loose or shift when touched.

Illustration:

Scenario: The resident’s dental notes detail swollen gums that bleed during brushing, and two loose teeth are noted upon examination.

Documentation: The condition is clearly recorded, and L0200E is coded "Yes".

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Not Checking All Teeth: Ensure that all natural teeth are checked for mobility, and gums are thoroughly inspected for signs of inflammation or bleeding​.
• Incomplete Documentation: Do not code L0200E without proper documentation of the resident's dental condition, including any observations made during the assessment.

Illustration:

Scenario: The oral assessment notes do not specify whether gums or teeth were checked for inflammation or mobility.

Error: Without specific documentation, L0200E should not be coded "Yes".

7. Practical Application

• Example 1: A resident has bleeding gums when brushing, and their natural teeth move when touched. L0200E is coded "Yes".
• Example 2: A resident’s oral exam reveals no gum issues or loose teeth. L0200E is coded "No".

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set L0200E was originally based on the CMS's RAI Version 3.0 Manual, October 2023 edition. 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.