MDS Changes Countdown – Day 6

COUNTDOWN DAY 6: Section GG – Functional Abilities

Gone are the days of the “rule of 3” and ADL self-performance versus support provided. In less than 2 weeks, Section G will be retired on all federal assessments, and Section GG will be the center of the MDS self-care and mobility universe. Elements of Section G will be transitioning to Section GG as outlined in the provided crosswalk.

Section GG is used in healthcare settings to assess functional abilities and care needs of residents. The data collected through this assessment serves as the foundation for creating individualized care plans designed to address each resident’s unique needs and goals. Accurate scoring of Section GG will become crucial in Care Area Assessments and Care Area Triggers (CATs), fundamentally shaping each resident’s individualized plan of care. Of the twenty Care Areas, seventeen use Section GG as CATs or indicators, thereby charting a new course in the determination of care needs. Additionally, Section GG will have a greater impact on 5-Star ratings, SNF quality reporting program (QRP), and SNF value-based purchasing (VBP) initiatives.

As healthcare facilities gear up for this monumental change, it is imperative that staff members proactively address additional training requirements. This includes a change in existing facility processes, a thorough review of coding language, aligning with the parameters of Section GG, and review of GG assessment periods. It is critical to foster a culture of strong interdisciplinary team (IDT) collaboration. By sharing expertise and insights from all departments within the facility, a seamless and successful transition to the era of Section GG can be assured.

Be on the lookout for Monday’s blog: Section D – Mood.

In Case You Missed It

Elementor #9096

Richa Kohli, PT has worked in several different settings and with various patient populations. For the last 7 years, Richa has worked solely with geriatrics which is unequivocally her favorite. When it comes to providing physical therapy (PT) to geriatrics, Richa states it’s all about “being patient.” Richa, who also has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, says that when she intently listens to her patients they reciprocate and are more prone to listen to what she has to tell them in relation to PT. Richa also spoke of how important it is to make treatment personal and to take into consideration what the patient wants to do. Embracing what your patient needs or wants helps to avoid treatment becoming mundane.

Richa talked greatly about the fun group activities that her team is a part of. They partner twice a week with activities for group and find that this interdisciplinary approach allows for better coordination and participation.  

As the sole PT in her facility, Richa doesn’t miss a chance to encourage her peer therapists to broaden their knowledge base. Richa enjoys taking courses on Reliant U and reviewing journal articles to grow her skill set and equip herself with knowledge to provide evidence-based treatment.

Richa, thank you for all you do for your residents and fellow therapists. Thank you for reminding us to always listen empathetically and continue to learn and grow daily to positively impact our patients’ lives. You are an inspiration and your care matters!