Ask Proactive – We have a resident with a chronic stage IV pressure ulcer who recently had flap surgery to close the wound. Do I continue to code the stage IV on the MDS?

Q: We have a resident with a chronic stage IV pressure ulcer who recently had flap surgery to close the wound. Do I continue to code the stage IV on the MDS?     A: According to the RAI (pg. M-6), if a pressure ulcer is surgically closed with a flap or...

Ask Proactive – Patient was admitted with a stage IV pressure ulcer that healed (fully epithelialized) and several months later reopened at the same site. How should this pressure ulcer be staged when it reopens?

Q: Patient was admitted with a stage IV pressure ulcer that healed (fully epithelialized) and several months later reopened at the same site. How should this pressure ulcer be staged when it reopens?     A: According to the RAI Manual guidance for pressure...

Ask Proactive – We have a patient with a stage IV pressure injury to the ankle that is being treated with a wound vac, which is changed 3x/week. Does this meet the criteria for skilled coverage under Medicare Part A in the SNF?

Q: We have a patient with a stage IV pressure injury to the ankle that is being treated with a wound vac, which is changed 3x/week. Does this meet the criteria for skilled coverage under Medicare Part A in the SNF?   A: The Medicare Benefit Manual Chapter 8...