MDS Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive MDS 3.0 Q&A covering all sections, PDPM billing, ARD scheduling, quality reporting, and COVID-19 guidance (2020–2026). 140 questions across 24 categories.

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MDS Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MDS 3.0?

What are the different types of MDS assessments?

What is the Assessment Reference Date (ARD)?

Who can complete MDS assessments?

When did PDPM replace RUG-IV?

What is the look-back period for most MDS items?

What is the MDS submission timeline?

What is the difference between a SCSA and an IPA?

What is a Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)?

Was there a new version of the RAI User's Manual released recently?

What is the purpose of the Entry Tracking Record?

What happens if a Medicare patient is readmitted after discharge?

What is item A0310 and why is it important?

How do I code A1700 (Marital Status) when a resident has a domestic partner?

What is the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) and where is it coded?

What is A2300 (Medicaid Number) and when should it be coded?

How do I code B0200 (Hearing) for a resident who uses hearing aids?

What is the BIMS and when is it administered?

What is Section C and how does it affect PDPM?

What is the Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS)?

Can a resident complete the BIMS if they have a language barrier?

What are the delirium screening items in Section C?

How is the PHQ-9 used in the MDS?

What is D0600 and when is it used?

How does depression severity affect PDPM Nursing payment?

What behavioral symptoms are captured in Section E?

How should I code verbal behavioral symptoms in E0200?

What is the purpose of Section F (Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities)?

When is the Preferences Interview required?

What is Section GG and why is it important for PDPM?

How is the Section GG self-care score calculated?

What is the difference between admission and discharge GG scores?

How should I code if a patient refuses a GG activity?

Can therapy staff complete Section GG items?

What is the GG0170 mobility assessment and how does it differ from GG0130?

What are GG0100 living situation items?

How do I handle GG scoring when a patient's performance varies day to day?

Are GG items required on all assessment types?

What is the GG0170 wheelchair mobility score and when is it used?

What is the "3-day assessment window" for Section GG admission scores?

Updated (2022): Did CMS clarify GG coding for COVID-19 isolation patients?

Is Section G still required under PDPM?

What is the difference between G0110 (ADL self-performance) and GG0130 (Self-care)?

How do I determine the primary diagnosis for PDPM?

What ICD-10 codes cannot be used as the PDPM primary diagnosis?

What are the nine PDPM clinical categories?

Can the primary diagnosis change during the stay?

What if a patient has multiple active diagnoses? How do I choose which is primary?

How do CMS ICD-10 mapping updates affect my facility?

What NTA comorbidities are coded in Section I?

How does pain assessment affect PDPM classification?

What Section J conditions impact NTA scoring?

How do I code falls in Section J?

What is J0200 (Pain Management) and how is it coded?

How is J1100 (Shortness of Breath) coded?

What is Section K and how does it relate to SLP services?

What are the K0100 swallowing disorder indicators?

How is unintentional weight loss coded in Section K?

What does Section L capture and is it required?

How are pressure ulcers/injuries staged in Section M?

What pressure injuries are counted for NTA purposes?

Does a MASD (Moisture-Associated Skin Damage) count as a pressure injury?

What are the Section M look-back periods?

How do I code surgical wounds in Section M?

What medications are captured in Section N?

How do antipsychotic medications affect quality measures?

How do medications and treatments in Section O affect PDPM payment?

What is the look-back period for Section O?

How is O0100M (Ventilator or Respirator) coded?

How do I code IV medications started in the hospital?

What is O0400 (Therapies) and how is it coded under PDPM?

What does Section P capture?

What is Section Q (Return to Community Referrals)?

What are Care Area Assessments (CAAs)?

When must CAAs be completed?

What are the five PDPM payment components?

What is the Variable Per Diem (VPD) adjustment?

When should an Interim Payment Assessment (IPA) be completed?

How does PDPM handle interrupted stays?