OASIS Alert

Don’t forget to watch skip patterns.

It may seem obvious, but one key OASIS convention is completing items accurately and thoroughly. Why? The data you report on each OASIS is used for care planning, case mix reporting, and performance improvement based on outcomes. So, if you don’t record good information, your agency will feel the impact in all three areas.

To help make sure you’re recording patient data accurately, you must also follow OASIS “skip patterns.” There are times when certain sections of the OASIS don’t apply to a particular patient. Skip patterns allow you to move quickly through the OASIS, past those items that aren’t applicable.

For example: When you answer “1 — Yes” or “NA” to OASIS item M1040 — Influenza vaccine, you’re instructed to skip M1045 — Reason Influenza Vaccine not received, and proceed directly to M1050 — Pneumoccal Vaccine.

Aside from those specific items that you’re instructed to skip, you should answer all other OASIS items.

Tip: Make sure you check the accuracy and completeness of your own responses as you complete each OASIS. Having other agency staff go over your OASIS assessments to check for thoroughness and adherence to skip patterns is a good practice as well. Remember, your agency is responsible for monitoring data accuracy.