Understanding and coding MDS Item I0600: Heart Failure

MDS Item I0600 – Heart Failure

Introduction

Heart failure is a chronic condition that can significantly impact residents' quality of life in long-term care. MDS Item I0600 identifies residents diagnosed with heart failure, which requires careful management and monitoring of symptoms like fluid retention and shortness of breath.

What is MDS Item I0600?

MDS Item I0600 captures whether a resident has a diagnosis of heart failure, including congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema. Proper documentation ensures the care team can monitor and adjust treatments to manage symptoms and prevent hospitalizations.

Guidelines for Coding I0600

• Code 1: If the resident has a diagnosis of heart failure, CHF, or pulmonary edema.
• Code 0: If the resident does not have heart failure.

Instructions:

• Review the resident’s medical records, including physician notes and diagnostic tests, to confirm the diagnosis of heart failure.

Example Scenario:

Resident A has a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and is currently receiving diuretics to manage fluid retention. Code 1 for MDS Item I0600.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

• Documentation: Ensure the diagnosis of heart failure is documented in the medical records, along with any treatments like diuretics or oxygen therapy.
• Communication: Coordinate with the care team to monitor the resident’s symptoms, such as swelling or shortness of breath.
• Training: Educate staff on recognizing the symptoms of heart failure and ensuring these are accurately documented in care plans.

Conclusion

Accurately coding MDS Item I0600 helps care teams monitor and manage heart failure, improving the resident’s quality of life and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.

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 I-9​.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item I0600 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.