Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item O0110E1C: Treatment - Tracheostomy Care (At Discharge)

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item O0110E1C: Treatment - Tracheostomy Care (At Discharge)

Introduction

Purpose:
Tracheostomy care is a critical component of treatment for residents who have undergone a tracheostomy procedure to assist with breathing. MDS Item O0110E1C, Treatment: Tracheostomy Care (At Discharge), is used to document whether a resident was receiving tracheostomy care 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 O0110E1C?

Explanation:
MDS Item O0110E1C, Treatment: Tracheostomy Care (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 was receiving tracheostomy care at the time of discharge. Tracheostomy care involves the maintenance of a tracheostomy tube, which includes cleaning the area around the stoma, changing the tube, and ensuring that the airway remains clear.

Tracheostomy care is essential for residents who have a tracheostomy, as it helps prevent infection, maintains airway patency, and ensures that the resident can breathe effectively. Documenting this care at discharge ensures that the resident’s ongoing needs are communicated to the next care provider and that appropriate follow-up care is arranged.

Guidelines for Coding O0110E1C

Coding Instructions:
To correctly code Item O0110E1C, follow these steps:

1. Review the Resident’s Discharge Records:

   • Carefully review the resident’s medical records, particularly the discharge summary, to determine if tracheostomy care was being provided at the time of discharge.

2. Determine the Appropriate Response:

   • Code “1” if the resident was receiving tracheostomy care at the time of discharge.
   • Code “0” if the resident was not receiving tracheostomy care at discharge.

3. Enter the Response in Item O0110E1C:

   • Record the appropriate code (1 or 0) based on the resident’s tracheostomy care status 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 tracheostomy was receiving regular tracheostomy care during their stay at the facility. At the time of discharge, the resident continued to require this care, and arrangements were made for tracheostomy care to be provided at home by a skilled nurse. The MDS Coordinator would enter 1 in Item O0110E1C to indicate that tracheostomy care was being provided 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 tracheostomy care provided during the resident’s stay, ensuring these records are updated at the time of discharge.
• Clearly document the specifics of tracheostomy care, including the frequency of care, the condition of the stoma, and any complications, to support accurate coding of Item O0110E1C.

Communication:

• Ensure effective communication among the healthcare team to accurately track and document the provision of tracheostomy care, 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 tracheostomy care and any necessary follow-up care.

Regular Audits:

• Conduct regular audits of discharge records to verify that all relevant information about tracheostomy care is accurately recorded in Item O0110E1C.
• Address any discrepancies promptly to ensure compliance with documentation requirements and to maintain the integrity of resident care records.

Conclusion

Summary:
MDS Item O0110E1C is essential for documenting whether a resident was receiving tracheostomy care 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 tracheostomy care 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 tracheostomy care at discharge and other special treatments.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item O0110E1C: Treatment - Tracheostomy Care (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.