MDS Alert

Reader Question:

Get Credit For Wound Vacs And Specialty Beds

Question: Can we capture the wound vac and a specialty bed on the MDS for payment purposes?

Answer: There is no way to capture either on the MDS for reimbursement except under Section M5 (skin treatment). Section M5b is "Pressure-
relieving device(s) for bed - Includes air fluidized, low air loss therapy beds, flotation, water, or bubble mattress or pad placed on the bed. Do not include egg crate mattresses in this category."

Section M5e is "Ulcer care - Includes any intervention for treating an ulcer at any ulcer stage. Examples include use of dressings, chemical or surgical debridement, wound irrigations and hydrotherapy."

Neither the wound vac nor the specialty bed will have any greater impact on reimbursement other than coding for an ulcer with skin treatment. 

- Marilyn Mines, RN, BC
  Deerfield, IL

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