Top Four OASIS Resources for Clinicians
Posted on January 13, 2010 in Coding Education
by Ann Giles, RN, BSN, HCS-D, COS-C
OASIS C is here, and as we all know, OASIS items aren't always what they seem. Support calls I have received in the past weeks prove this. There is still room for interpretation with some items. CMS is not able to edit the actual data set, so any additional guidance on items will be found elsewhere. The OASIS is such an extensive document that clinicians cannot be expected to memorize all of the nuances of every single item. What is important for clinicians to know is where more specific guidance can be found. I have a folder on my desktop titled "OASIS C References" and in the past couple of weeks, it has been visited frequently. Here are the four resources every clinician should have access to:
1. The OASIS C Guidance Manual: This is the most important resource for clinicians. This document is published by CMS and offers a complete look at the OASIS. Chapter 3, the OASIS Item Guidance, is the most important part of this document. This chapter has a page on each OASIS item. It lists the item, the items intent, time points at which the item should be completed, response-specific instructions and data sources and resources. Click here to download this manual.
2. OCCB's OASIS Q&A's: The OASIS Certificate and Competency board submits questions on the OASIS to CMS on a quarterly basis. The responses from CMS are published and are considered official guidance. The next set of Q&A's should be published this month. Click here for a complete list.
3. Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society: In December 2009, the WOCN released updated guidance on the OASIS C integumentary items. One of the major areas covered is new wound responses on the OASIS. Click here for this latest guidance.
4. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Guidance: This gives explanations and illustrations on the staging of pressure ulcers. Click here for this guidance.
I once saw this written, "An expert isn't someone who knows everything. An expert is someone who knows where to find the answers to everything," and when it comes to the OASIS, this says it all.
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