MDS 3.0 Section by Section Coding and Documentation Tips

This article will be the beginning of a series describing proper coding for the MDS 3.0. These articles will guide you through the most troublesome areas in each section of the MDS 3.0 and provide supporting documentation for each section.

Section A: Identification Information

• A0100B – The CMS Certification Number (CCN) is the same number coded on the MDS 2.0 for Medicare/Medicaid Provider Number. Ask your administrator for this number.
• A0310A – A significant change in assessment must be completed for all residents who elect hospice benefits and/or if the benefits are revoked.
• A0310E – This should be coded as “1” yes for the first assessment completed since the most recent admission or readmission.
• A0410 – In coding this item, ask your administrator if the state and/or federal are required to receive MDS submissions and code accordingly.
• A0500 – The name of the resident must match the name on their Medicare card, Medicaid card, or other government issued document.
• A0600B – HMO is not the Medicare number and should not be entered here.
• A1300 – This item is not needed by CMS for program function therefore, the facility may choose to complete this item or skip it.
• A1500 – Complete this item only if the assessment is coded as an Admission assessment.
• A1600 – The entry date is the date the resident was admitted to the facility or readmitted to the facility following a discharge return anticipated or a discharge return not-anticipated.
• A1700 – Code “1” admission if the resident has never been admitted to this nursing home before; the resident has been in the facility previously and was discharged prior to completion of the admission assessment; the resident has been in the facility previously and was discharged return not anticipated; the resident has been in the facility previously and was discharged return anticipated and did not return within 30 days of the discharge.