MDS Alert

The incidence-based depression QM looks at these key areas.

Make sure to track and care plan residents with a growing case of the blues measured by the MDS-generated Mood Scale.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be switching out the current prevalence-based depression measure for an incidence-based one. The latter identifies residents who have more indicators of sad mood and anxiety from one assessment to the next. So check out these MDS items in Sections E and K to see how the resident is doing.

1.  Any verbal expression of distress (E1a>0, E1c>0, E1e>0, E1f>0, E1g>0, or E1h>0).

2.  Shows signs of crying, tearfulness (E1m>0).

3.  Motor agitation (E1n>0).

4.  Leaves food uneaten (K4c=checked) on target or last full assessment. The K4c value from the last full assessment is only considered if the target assessment is a quarterly assessment and the state quarterly assessment does not include K4c.

5.  Repetitive health complaints (E1h>0).

6.  Repetitive/recurrent verbalizations (E1a>0, E1c>0, or E1g>0).

7.  Negative statements (E1a>0, E1e>0, or E1f>0).

8.  Mood symptoms not easily altered (E2=2).