OASIS Alert

Lend support to the services you provide with accurate ability assessments.

Do you know how to assess your patient when his ability or status varies on the day of assessment?

In general, you should report the patient’s "usual status" during the assessment time frame, according to the "Conventions for Completing OASIS-C Items" found in the OASIS-C Guidance Manual.

But if the patient’s status varies from day-to-day or during a given day, you should report what is true most of the time during the period under consideration. In other words, report the ability your patient demonstrates greater than 50 percent of the assessment time frame, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advises.

Exception: When the item specifies that you report ability or status differently, follow the item-specific guidance. For example: M2020 — Management of Oral Medications asks you to assess your patient’s current ability to prepare and take all oral medications reliably and safely. Item-specific guidance advises "if the patient’s ability to manage oral medications varies from medication to medication, consider the medication for which the most assistance is needed when selecting a response."

Why is it important to understand how to rate your patient’s ability? Accurately reporting your patient’s ability can support payment for a home health aide or the need for occupational therapy.