SNFs ~ More ICD-9 Blanks Don't Mean You'll Need To Come Up With More Codes

Why This Topic Matters

Section I of MDS 3.0 influences how resident diagnoses are captured and organized in the assessment process. Understanding the proposed structure helps facility staff evaluate documentation needs and the relationship between assessment coding and claim preparation.

Article Sections

1. Expect Less Coding

   Introduces the proposed Section I changes and the general aim of reducing the coding burden in skilled nursing facility assessments. Discusses the relationship between diagnosis identification and assessment workflows.

2. Look For Guidance On Active Diagnoses

   Describes the article’s discussion of guidance intended to help determine whether a diagnosis is considered active for MDS purposes. Mentions the use of criteria and examples from the draft instructions.

3. Add 'Other' Codes By Body System

   Explains the addition of blank spaces within body-system groupings and how they are intended to support more complete diagnosis reporting. Covers how this affects recording of conditions not shown as checkboxes.

4. Check For 'Missing' Diagnoses

   Notes that some checkboxes from earlier versions were removed because related information is captured elsewhere in the assessment. Addresses the rationale for the revised Section I layout.