MDS Alert

MDS Coding:

Beware--Little ADL Coding Missteps Will Rip Your RUGs

Add dollar signs to your argument for investing in MDS accuracy.

ADLs drive RUG classification, so make sure you're heading your facility in the right direction. Keep in mind that "a difference in either the self-performance or support score in section G1a, b, h or i can change the ADL index score," says Marilyn Mines, RN, BC, director of clinical services for FR&R Healthcare Consulting in Deerfield, IL. For example, in chart B, the difference between an ADL support score of "2" for a one-person assist, versus a "3" for a two-person assist on the 5-day Medicare MDS results in a $46.95 difference a day or $657.30 over 14 days.

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