MDS Alert

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Question: What support documentation would a nursing facility need to code IV fluids provided in the hospital or emergency department?

Answer: Consultant Jennifer Pettis, RN, WCC, RAC-MT, says she'd "expect to see a flow sheet showing the IV fluids were administered and/or documentation in the medical record by the clinician noting how much fluid the patient received" -- and why the IV fluids were ordered, which should be related to treatment of a nutritional and/or hydration need. "The ED might have that information in the transfer summary," adds Pettis, program development manager and regional consultant for Harmony Healthcare International in Topsfield, Mass.

"Additionally, it must be clear in the documentation that the IV fluids were not administered as a routine part of an operative or diagnostic procedure or recovery room stay," says Pettis.

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