When patients respond in their preferred language with the use of an interpreter for A1250 (Transportation), this is considered a patient response, CMS clarified in the October quarterly OASIS Q&As — released Oct. 16.
Patients may respond to questions in English or in their preferred language with the assistance of an interpreter, CMS notes in their response to a question asking how to accurately answer A1250 when a patient uses an interpreter.
You would not code “X — Patient unable to respond,” CMS advises.
This was one of four questions included in the most recent batch of Q&As.
Additional topics covered in the October release include:
- Whether an RN is required to do the Start of Care (SOC) OASIS for an active home health patient when there is a payor change if multiple disciplines are active at the time of the SOC.
- If laryngectomy care be coded under O0110E1 (Tracheostomy care)
For a full story, see the upcoming issues of Home Health Line and Diagnosis Coding Pro for Home Health.