Ask Proactive – Can I code Malnutrition (Section I5600) on the MDS based on a dietary assessment that identifies the resident as at risk for malnutrition?

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Care Planning, Clinical, Coding, Dietary, Documentation, MDS, Medicaid, Medicare, Nursing, PDPM, Physicians

Q: Can I code Malnutrition (Section I5600) on the MDS based on a dietary assessment that identifies the resident as at risk for malnutrition?   A: No.  Dietitian assessments alone do not provide sufficient documentation for coding of this item on the MDS.  ...

Ask Proactive – Your MDS Coordinator could come to you at any time needing an emergency medical leave, giving notice, or simply deciding that the role is no longer a good fit. What potential challenges could arise if you don’t have an experienced person to fill the position, and what can you do to prevent issues?

by | Oct 15, 2025 | Care Planning, Compliance, MDS, Medicaid, Medicare, PDPM, Quality, Quality Measure, Reimbursement, Survey

Q: Your MDS Coordinator could come to you at any time needing an emergency medical leave, giving notice, or simply deciding that the role is no longer a good fit. What potential challenges could arise if you don’t have an experienced person to fill the position, and...

Ask Proactive – I have recently been directed, when completing the PHQ-2 to 9, that if a resident acknowledges a symptom, but is unable to give a frequency, I should dash both questions (column 1 and 2). Is this correct?

by | Oct 1, 2025 | Coding, Compliance, Depression, MDS, Medicaid, Medicare, Nursing, PDPM, Reimbursement

Q: I have recently been directed, when completing the PHQ-2 to 9, that if a resident acknowledges a symptom, but is unable to give a frequency, I should dash both questions (column 1 and 2). Is this correct?   A: No, this is incorrect. If a resident answers “yes”...