OASIS Alert

Published on Wed Aug 17, 2005 PDF

Question: When answering M0570 (When Confused), you should consider confusion reported or observed:

A) Only during the assessment visit.
B) During the 24-hour period directly preceding the assessment.
C) Anytime during the last week.
D) Anytime during the last 30 days.

Answer: C. Unlike many OASIS assessment questions where you look at the 24-hour period directly preceding the assessment, M0570 takes into account reports of confusion in the recent past.

Count periods of confusion occurring in the last few days or the last week when answering this question, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instructs in a recently added question and answer. The same strategy of looking at the recent past also applies to OASIS items M0580 (When Anxious) and M0590 (Depressive Feelings Reported or Observed), CMS adds.

Tip: Telephoning after the visit to ask the caregiver about patient confusion may lead to a more accurate answer. Many caregivers are reluctant to upset the patient by discussing instances of confusion in the patient's presence.

Note: The latest OASIS Q&As are at www.qtso.com/guides/hha/cat4.pdf.