Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0110D: Walker

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item GG0110D: Walker

Introduction

Purpose:
Walkers are vital assistive devices for residents in long-term care facilities who need support with ambulation. Proper coding of MDS Item GG0110D is crucial to ensure that prior walker usage is accurately recorded, which informs care planning and mobility interventions. This article provides guidance on how to properly code GG0110D, ensuring compliance with the 2024 MDS 3.0 guidelines.

What is MDS Item GG0110D?

Explanation:
MDS Item GG0110D refers to residents who used a walker (such as a standard, rolling, or hemi-walker) immediately before their current illness, injury, or exacerbation that led to admission into long-term care. This item captures important data regarding the use of a walker prior to the most recent health episode, helping assess the resident’s functional ability before admission.

Guidelines for Coding GG0110D

Coding Instructions:
For MDS Item GG0110D, select this option if the resident used any form of walker before the current illness or injury. Specific types of walkers include:

• Standard Walker
• Rolling Walker
• Hemi-Walker

Make sure to check GG0110D only if the resident had used a walker consistently before the current illness or injury that necessitated long-term care. If the resident did not use a walker before, this item should remain unchecked.

Example Scenario:
Resident A, who has a history of hip surgery and arthritis, consistently used a rolling walker for mobility at home before being admitted to the facility after a stroke. For Resident A, GG0110D should be checked because the resident relied on the walker before their stroke.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:
To ensure accurate coding, review the resident’s medical records, and speak with family members or caregivers to confirm prior walker use. Ensure that the walker was a regular mobility aid before the current health episode.

Communication:
Coordinate with the rehabilitation team, nursing staff, and family members to gather comprehensive information about the resident’s prior mobility and walker use. It’s essential to document the type of walker used and how frequently it was employed.

Training:
Provide continuous training for MDS coordinators and staff to ensure correct coding of assistive devices like walkers. This helps maintain consistency and accuracy in coding practices.

Conclusion

Accurate coding of MDS Item GG0110D is essential for capturing a resident’s prior use of a walker. By following the correct coding guidelines, facilities can ensure the development of comprehensive care plans that account for the resident’s mobility needs.

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-5 .

Disclaimer:

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item GG0110D: Walker 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.