Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item I2900: Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

MDS 3.0 Item I2900: Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Introduction

Purpose:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic condition among nursing home residents, requiring careful management to avoid complications such as infections, neuropathy, or cardiovascular issues. MDS Item I2900 helps track residents diagnosed with diabetes, ensuring their care plans reflect the necessary monitoring and interventions.

What is MDS Item I2900?

Explanation:
MDS Item I2900 captures whether a resident has been diagnosed with any type of diabetes mellitus, including Type 1 and Type 2. Proper coding for this item ensures that residents with diabetes receive the appropriate monitoring for blood glucose levels, insulin use, and dietary needs.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item I2900

Coding Instructions:

• The resident must have a documented diagnosis of diabetes from a healthcare provider.
• Include all residents who are currently receiving treatment for diabetes, whether through insulin, oral medications, or dietary management.

For instance, if a resident has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and is on oral medications to manage blood sugar levels, MDS Item I2900 should be coded as present.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:

• Ensure that the resident's medical history includes the diagnosis of diabetes, with ongoing updates on blood glucose monitoring and medication adjustments.

Communication:

• Nursing staff should regularly communicate with dietitians, endocrinologists, and pharmacists to ensure a coordinated approach to managing diabetes in residents.

Training:

• Staff should receive ongoing education about managing diabetes, including recognizing signs of hypo- and hyperglycemia and implementing care interventions accordingly.

Conclusion

Summary:
Accurate coding of MDS Item I2900 is crucial for monitoring diabetes mellitus in long-term care residents. Proper care and treatment reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health outcomes for residents.

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. Pages I-14 to I-15.

Disclaimer

This guide for MDS 3.0 Item I2900 is based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024.