MDS Alert

Published on Mon May 13, 2013 PDF

Beware of UTI look-back exception for active diagnoses.

As if the double look-back periods for coding Section I: Active Diagnoses weren’t confusing enough, you must follow an entirely different look-back period for I2300 Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Unlike the other diagnoses listed in Section I, which have a seven-day look-back period, I2300 UTI has a 30-day look-back timeframe, according to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS).

Crucial: You must also meet all four of the following conditions to code UTI:

1.  The resident has a documented diagnosis of a UTI within the last 30 days;

2.  The resident has had signs or symptoms attributed to a UTI within the last 30 days; these may or may not include:

     a.  Fever,

     b. Urinary symptoms like peri-urethral site burning sensation, frequent urination in small amounts, etc.,

     c.  Pain or tenderness in flank,

     d. Confusion or change in mental status, or

     e.  Change in character of urine (pyuria);

3.  There are significant laboratory findings, as determined by the physician — which basically means that the resident   must have a positive test, study or procedure confirming a UTI; AND

4.  The resident is currently or was on medication or treatment for a UTI in the last 30 days.