X0600F. Correction: entry/discharge reporting, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set X0600F: Correction: Entry/Discharge Reporting

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: Confirm that the dates and details of a resident’s entry to or discharge from the facility are correctly documented in the MDS.
• Action: Examine the resident’s admission and discharge records, including hospital transfer documentation and communications with care coordinators or family members.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Entry/Discharge Reporting: This involves recording accurate information regarding a resident's admission to or discharge from the nursing facility within the MDS, crucial for care continuity and compliance with healthcare reporting standards.

3. Coding Instructions

• Verify Dates: Check the correct dates of entry or discharge against facility records and the initial MDS entries.
• Correct Reporting in MDS: Update the MDS to reflect the accurate entry or discharge dates and related details, ensuring all information aligns with verified documentation.

4. Coding Tips

• Documentation Verification: Cross-reference all available documentation to verify the dates and details of entry or discharge.
• Consistency: Ensure consistency between MDS records and other facility documentation, such as admission logs or electronic health records.

5. Documentation

• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of the original error and the corrected information, including the source of verification.
• Audit Trail: Document who made the correction, when, and the evidence used to justify the correction to maintain an audit trail.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Inaccurate Dates: Ensure that the dates of entry or discharge are not incorrectly recorded due to miscommunication or clerical errors.
• Overlooking Documentation: Do not overlook other documents that could verify or contradict the MDS entries, such as hospital discharge summaries.
• Failure to Update: Avoid failing to update all relevant sections of the MDS and other care documents that might be affected by changes in entry or discharge information.

7. Practical Application

• Example: During a routine compliance review, it is noted that the discharge date for a resident, Mr. John Doe, was inaccurately recorded in the MDS as May 20, 2024, while hospital records show a discharge to the facility on May 18, 2024. The MDS Coordinator reviews the documentation, confirms the discrepancy, and corrects the discharge date in the MDS to May 18, 2024. The correction is noted in the MDS, including a reference to the hospital records as verification, and an audit log entry is made to document the change.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set X0600F was originally based on the CMS's RAI Version 3.0 Manual, October 2023 edition. 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.