understanding and coding MDS Item GG0130A1, Eating (Admission Performance)

MDS Item GG0130A1 – Eating (Admission Performance)

Introduction:

Purpose: MDS Item GG0130A1 assesses a resident’s ability to use suitable utensils to bring food and/or liquid to the mouth and swallow, reflecting their eating ability upon admission. Accurate coding of this item is crucial for creating appropriate care plans and determining necessary assistance with daily self-care activities.

What is MDS Item GG0130A1?

Explanation: This item assesses the resident's ability to perform the task of eating independently or with assistance upon admission. It excludes the administration of tube feedings and focuses on the resident’s usual performance during the first three days of admission.

Guidelines for Coding GG0130A1:

Coding Instructions:

1. Medical Record Review: Review documentation that reflects the resident’s performance in eating.
2. Consultation: Speak with staff members who assist the resident during meals.
3. Observation: Directly observe the resident’s ability to eat during the 3-day assessment period.

Example Scenario:

• A resident requires moderate assistance from a staff member to eat due to hand tremors but can bring some food to their mouth independently. This scenario would be coded as partial/moderate assistance (03).

Best Practices for Accurate Coding:

• Documentation: Ensure the resident’s usual eating performance is documented consistently in the care plan and medical records.
• Communication: Collaborate with dietary staff and caregivers to assess the resident’s eating ability accurately.
• Training: Conduct training sessions to ensure accurate assessment and coding of eating abilities.

Conclusion:

Accurately coding MDS Item GG0130A1 is crucial for understanding a resident’s self-care abilities and creating personalized care plans.

Click here to see a detailed Step-by-Step on how to complete this item set.

Reference:

Please refer to CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Page GG-22​.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item GG0130A1 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.