O0400A3A. Speech- language/ audiology: co-current minutes, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set: O0400A3A, Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Services: Co-Treatment Minutes

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Identify the total co-treatment minutes of speech-language pathology or audiology services provided to the resident. Key Points:

• Thoroughly examine the resident's medical records, therapy notes, and treatment logs for documentation of co-treatment sessions involving speech-language pathology or audiology services.
• Co-treatment refers to therapy sessions where two professionals (possibly from different disciplines) treat one resident at the same time.
• Accumulate the total minutes of co-treatment therapy sessions provided over the specified reporting period.

2. Understanding Definitions

Objective: Clarify what constitutes co-treatment minutes for speech-language pathology or audiology services. Key Points:

• Co-Treatment Minutes: Time spent providing therapy to a resident simultaneously by two professionals, which can include a speech-language pathologist or audiologist and another rehabilitation professional, focusing on interdisciplinary goals.
• Co-treatment aims to achieve more complex or interdisciplinary treatment goals that benefit from simultaneous intervention by two professionals.
• Distinguish co-treatment from group, individual, and concurrent therapy for accurate documentation and coding.

3. Coding Instructions

Objective: Accurately code the total co-treatment minutes of therapy provided. Key Points:

• Enter the total number of co-treatment minutes of speech-language pathology or audiology services provided to the resident during the reporting period.
• If no co-treatment services were provided, enter '0'.
• Ensure the coded minutes accurately reflect time spent in co-treatment therapy settings.

4. Coding Tips

Objective: Ensure precision and completeness in coding therapy minutes. Key Points:

• Verify session notes to ensure that therapy was indeed provided in a co-treatment setting by two professionals.
• Document the roles of both professionals involved in the co-treatment session to support the coding.
• Regularly update and review the coding as additional therapy sessions occur throughout the reporting period.

5. Documentation

Objective: Maintain comprehensive documentation for co-treatment services. Key Points:

• Document each co-treatment session clearly, including the date, duration, professionals involved, specific interventions or techniques used, and the interdisciplinary goals of the session.
• Note the progress or response of the resident to the co-treatment session towards their individual goals.
• Differentiate co-treatment sessions from other types of therapy sessions in documentation for clarity and accurate reporting.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

Objective: Identify and correct frequent documentation and coding mistakes. Key Points:

• Avoid misclassifying co-treatment sessions as group or concurrent therapy in documentation and coding.
• Ensure all co-treatment therapy minutes are documented and calculated correctly; missing or inaccurate documentation can lead to incorrect reporting.
• Be meticulous in documenting the contribution of each professional in co-treatment sessions for clear justification of the co-treatment approach.

7. Practical Application

Objective: Apply coding and documentation knowledge through practical examples. Key Points:

• Scenario: A resident receives a 30-minute co-treatment session from a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist focusing on cognitive-communication and fine motor skills. Document the session's interdisciplinary focus, calculate the total co-treatment minutes (30 minutes), and code accordingly.
• Use hypothetical scenarios in staff training sessions to practice identifying, documenting, and coding co-treatment therapy minutes, emphasizing the importance of detailed session notes and clear interdisciplinary goals.
• Discuss case studies in team meetings, focusing on the challenges and best practices for documenting and coding co-treatment speech-language pathology and audiology services, exploring strategies for accurate and compliant reporting.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set O0400A3A  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.