CMS recently released its preliminary version of OASIS-D. Although the final decision on the exact changes is still forthcoming, there is still enough information available to begin the training that will be necessary for all clinicians. Failure to prepare and train in advance is a mistake that could lower ratings and overall revenue.
What CMS has told the public about the upcoming new OASIS can be found, in detail, on the CMS website. In this article, an abbreviated account of the changes and what they mean for home health agencies is outlined below.
What is being removed?
First, there will be multiple items removed from the data set. Around 75 items from the start of care OASIS alone are said to be taken off of the form. The removal of the collected information will place an even greater importance on the remaining items of the OASIS. Agencies must ensure the accuracy of each clinician in order to capture the risk adjustment and case mix points that will be available.
OASIS items to be removed include:
- M1011 Inpatient diagnosis
- M1017 Diagnosis requiring treatment change
- M1025 Optional payment diagnosis
- M1034 Overall status
- M1210 Hearing
- M1220 Ability to speak
- M1300 Assessment for pressure ulcer risk
- M1302 Risk for pressure ulcers identified
- M1313 Worsening in pressure ulcer status
- M1350 Skin lesion or open wound
- M1410 Respiratory treatments
- M1501 Symptoms in heat failure
- M1511 Heart failure follow-up
- M1615 When does urinary incontinence occur
- M1750 Psychiatric nursing services
- M1880 Ability to plan and prepare meals
- M1890 Ability to use the telephone
- M1900 Prior functioning ADL/IADL
- M2040 Prior medication management
- M2102a-e SOC Assistance available for ADLs, IADLs, medications, medical procedures and equipment
- M2102b&e D/C assistance available for IADLS and equipment
- M2430 Reason for hospitalization
- M0903 Date of last home visit
What is being added?
Next, the new items that are to be added to the OASIS will be ones that make the collaboration between home health agencies and the other post-acute care facilities more uniform. The additional data collection questions will be the same as those used on the forms of providers such as rehabilitation and long-term care facilities. Once again, untrained clinicians could cost agencies revenue or problems with compliance if not able to competently complete the OASIS.
- A significantly expanded GG0170 (Mobility) item;
- Three new GG items, GG0100 (Prior Functioning: Everyday Activities) converting over from the current M1900: Prior Function; GG0110 (Prior Device Use); and GG0130 Self-Care; and
- Two added items in Section J: Health Conditions, J1800(Any Falls Since SOC/ROC, whichever is more recent) and J1900 (Number of Falls since SOC/ROC, whichever is more recent).
What should I do now?
Certified coding review companies, such as Aspen Global Solutions, are a wonderful addition to an agency’s team especially during times of change. Rather than paying for costly training for your staff, or even worse, paying the price through lost revenue, many choose to partner with Aspen to help weather these changes with ease.
Aspen’s certified team of RN coders provides coding and OASIS review services with a next day turnaround. If you are interested in experiencing the Aspen advantage, ask about our free trial.
Learn more at www.aspenhhcoding.com or email us at info@aspenhhcoding.com