OASIS-Central

Utilization Outcomes in 2010

A utilization outcome suggests but does not always reflect a change in health status. Some of these outcomes, such as acute care hospitalization, also relate to the utilization of healthcare services because of the change in health status. The data elements in the transfer and discharge assessments provide the specifics for calculating utilization outcomes. Data [...]

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What would be the correct response for M1610, urinary incontinence or urinary catheter present, for the patient who has nephrostomy tubes?

Q: What would be the correct response for M1610, urinary incontinence or urinary catheter present, for the patient who has nephrostomy tubes? A: The OASIS-C Guidance Manual provides part of the answer.  It says if the patient has anuria or an ostomy for urinary drainage or a urinary drainage diversion that is pouched (ileal conduit, [...]

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If the patient is discharged from Medicare and we check response 0, able to ambulate independently, in M1860, ambulation, will we set ourselves up for an audit because the patient is not homebound?

Q: If the patient is discharged from Medicare and we check response 0, able to ambulate independently, in M1860, ambulation, will we set ourselves up for an audit because the patient is not homebound? A: An agency’s goal is for patients to improve, to become as independent as possible. Given that the Centers for Medicare [...]

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Reality Check: Comprehensive Assessment and Initial Visit

“Solutions” to some of the special issues associated with the initial visit and comprehensive assessment may actually be misconceptions. That’s because those putting forth these solutions may not have read the rules. Here are two common ones with the facts to set them straight. Misconception: If an initial visit can be done prior to start [...]

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How should we handle a patient who scored three or more points on the PHQ-2?

Q: If we don’t have a mental health team, how should we handle a patient who scores three or more points on the PHQ-2 depression screen? A: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression in the elderly is a common problem. It’s likely that every agency will encounter patients who meet the criteria [...]

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OASIS-C Start of Care Questions May Cause Survey Issues

There are two new data elements in OASIS-C that ask about the start of care date: • M0102, date of physician-ordered start of care (resumption of care), and • M0104, date of referral (date the agency received the written or verbal referral for initiation of care). According to the Conditions of Participation, §455(a), the start [...]

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