Q:

If a new admission was diagnosed and treated for a UTI prior to admission, but there is not sufficient documentation to determine that UTI criteria (McGeer’s) was met, do I code it in Section I?

 

A:

In the case of UTI diagnosis within 30 days of the admission ARD, UTI evidence-based criteria does not have to be met. The RAI User’s Manual has specific guidance for this situation on page I-13:

“If the diagnosis of UTI was made prior to the resident’s admission, entry, or reentry into the facility, it is not necessary to obtain or evaluate the evidence-based criteria used to make the diagnosis in the prior setting. A documented physician diagnosis of UTI prior to admission is acceptable. This information may be included in the hospital transfer summary or other paperwork.”

Answer by Angie Hamer, RN, RAC-CT Clinical Consultant, Proactive Medical Review

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