Are you leaving money on the table because of incomplete or inaccurate Section GG coding?
For many skilled nursing facilities, the answer is yes. Section GG—the functional abilities and goals section of the MDS—plays a critical role in PDPM reimbursement. Yet, it’s often overlooked or inconsistently applied, leading to missed revenue opportunities.
The good news? With the right systems and training, you can turn Section GG into a powerful tool for financial stability and compliance.
Why Section GG Matters
Under PDPM, accurate functional scoring directly impacts reimbursement. Every dash, every missed clarification note, and every inconsistent entry can cost your facility thousands annually. Section GG isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a revenue driver.
Common Pitfalls That Hurt Reimbursement
• Incomplete documentation during the ARD window
• Failure to clarify discrepancies between therapy and nursing notes
• Overuse of dashes (–) in GG items
• Lack of staff training on GG coding standards.
Your Action Plan for Section GG Success
Here’s a practical roadmap to ensure your team captures every dollar you’re entitled to:
1. Implement Daily GG Huddles
• Who: Therapy, nursing management, and nurse aides
• When: End of each shift during the ARD window
• Why: Align documentation and catch discrepancies early
2. Clarify Functional Ability vs. Mobility
• Require an IDT note before MDS close to explain differences in charting
• Review bathing details—was it refused, done at sink, or in bed?
3. Train Your Team
• Nurse aides: Point-of-care GG documentation
• Nurses: Respiratory assessment and coding nuances
• Use compliance reports and reward accurate documentation
4. Audit for Accuracy
• Weekly review of residents with upcoming MDS assessments
• Check for missing diagnoses, oxygen use, wound care, and reimbursable conditions like Parkinson’s
• Remove unnecessary documentation items that waste time
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
• Avoid dashes: Every dash in GG equals lost reimbursement
• Late-loss ADLs matter: Bed mobility, transfers, eating—train staff to capture these accurately
• Test knowledge: Occasional GG coding quizzes keep staff sharp
The Bottom Line
Section GG isn’t optional—it’s essential. By creating a culture of accuracy and accountability, you can transform GG from a compliance headache into a revenue engine. Facilities that implement these strategies routinely see six-figure annual gains after audits and system improvements.
Ready to optimize your reimbursement?
Contact Senior Care Solutions at Consult@srcaresolutions.net and let’s build a plan that works for your facility.
Michelle Stober, RN, BSN
CEO
Download the Top 10 Section GG Optimization Steps...
