Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item O0110D3C: Treatment - Suctioning (As Needed) (At Discharge)

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item O0110D3C: Treatment - Suctioning (As Needed) (At Discharge)

Introduction

Purpose:
Suctioning is a critical procedure used to clear secretions from a resident's airway to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications such as respiratory infections or blockages. MDS Item O0110D3C, Treatment: Suctioning (As Needed) (At Discharge), is used to document whether a resident required suctioning on an as-needed (PRN) basis at the time of discharge from a long-term care facility. Accurate documentation of this item is essential for ensuring continuity of care, compliance with clinical guidelines, and effective discharge planning. This article provides detailed guidance on how to correctly code this item according to the latest MDS 3.0 guidelines.

What is MDS Item O0110D3C?

Explanation:
MDS Item O0110D3C, Treatment: Suctioning (As Needed) (At Discharge), is part of Section O, which focuses on special treatments, procedures, and programs provided to the resident. This item specifically captures whether the resident required suctioning on an as-needed basis at the time of their discharge from the facility. As-needed suctioning is often necessary for residents who have difficulty clearing their own secretions due to conditions such as neuromuscular disorders, respiratory diseases, or after certain surgical procedures.

Documenting the need for suctioning at discharge is crucial to ensure that the resident’s respiratory needs are communicated to the next care provider and that appropriate follow-up care is arranged.

Guidelines for Coding O0110D3C

Coding Instructions:
To correctly code Item O0110D3C, follow these steps:

1. Review the Resident’s Discharge Records:

   • Carefully review the resident’s medical records, particularly the discharge summary, to determine if suctioning was required on an as-needed basis at the time of discharge.

2. Determine the Appropriate Response:

   • Code “1” if the resident required as-needed suctioning at the time of discharge.
   • Code “0” if the resident did not require as-needed suctioning at discharge.

3. Enter the Response in Item O0110D3C:

   • Record the appropriate code (1 or 0) based on the resident’s need for suctioning at discharge.
   • Ensure that this information is consistent with the resident’s discharge records and aligns with the facility’s documentation protocols.

Example Scenario:
A resident with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) required as-needed suctioning to manage secretions during their stay. At the time of discharge, the resident continued to require PRN suctioning, and arrangements were made for suctioning equipment and instructions to be provided at home. The MDS Coordinator would enter 1 in Item O0110D3C to indicate that suctioning was needed on an as-needed basis at discharge. This ensures that the resident’s ongoing care needs are accurately documented and that appropriate follow-up care can be arranged.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:

• Maintain thorough records of all suctioning procedures provided during the resident’s stay, especially noting when suctioning was performed on an as-needed basis.
• Clearly document the resident’s condition, the frequency of PRN suctioning, and the reason for suctioning, supporting accurate coding of Item O0110D3C.

Communication:

• Ensure effective communication among the healthcare team to accurately track and document the need for as-needed suctioning, particularly at the time of discharge.
• Communicate with the resident’s next care provider or home health agency to ensure they are aware of the ongoing need for suctioning and any necessary follow-up care.

Regular Audits:

• Conduct regular audits of discharge records to verify that all relevant information about suctioning is accurately recorded in Item O0110D3C.
• Address any discrepancies promptly to ensure compliance with documentation requirements and to maintain the integrity of resident care records.

Conclusion

Summary:
MDS Item O0110D3C is essential for documenting whether a resident required as-needed suctioning at the time of discharge from a long-term care facility. Accurate coding of this item ensures that the resident’s ongoing respiratory care needs are fully documented and supports the coordination of follow-up care. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, healthcare professionals can ensure that suctioning is appropriately managed and documented, thereby supporting quality care and accurate reporting.

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. Refer to [Chapter 3, Page 3-149] for detailed guidelines on documenting as-needed suctioning at discharge and other special treatments.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item O0110D3C: Treatment - Suctioning (As Needed) (At Discharge) 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.