GG0170O — 12 Steps (GG Section — Mobility)
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item GG0170O.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 06 | Independent |
| 05 | Setup or clean-up assistance |
| 04 | Supervision or touching assistance |
| 03 | Partial/moderate assistance |
| 02 | Substantial/maximal assistance |
| 01 | Dependent |
| 07 | Patient refused |
| 09 | Not applicable |
| 10 | Not attempted due to environmental limitations |
| 88 | Not attempted due to medical condition or safety concerns |
How to score it
Assess the patient's ability to go up and down 12 steps, with or without a rail. If the patient's home doesn't have 12 actual steps, clinical judgment may treat going up and down a 4-step flight three times consecutively as an acceptable substitute for this item. See Guidance Manual Ch. 3 GG item-by-item tips for full scoring rubric.
The common error
Coding this item as not attempted whenever the home lacks a literal 12-step flight, instead of using CMS's accepted substitute of three consecutive up-and-down passes on a 4-step flight.
Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item GG0170O. Verified 2026-04-26.
Nearby Section GG items
- GG0170ARoll Left and Right (GG Section — Mobility)
- GG0170BSit to Lying (GG Section — Mobility)
- GG0170CLying to Sitting on Side of Bed (GG Section — Mobility)
- GG0170DSit to Stand (GG Section — Mobility)
- GG0170EChair/Bed-to-Chair Transfer (GG Section — Mobility)
- GG0170FToilet Transfer (GG Section — Mobility)
The monthly home health regs digest
What CMS changed, what's due next, and what to do about it — one email a month, no fluff.