OASIS · Section K
K0520 — Nutritional Approaches
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item K0520.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Parenteral/IV feeding |
| B | Feeding tube (e.g., nasogastric or abdominal (PEG)) |
| C | Mechanically altered diet — require change in texture of food or liquids (e.g., pureed food, thickened liquids) |
| D | Therapeutic diet (e.g., low salt, diabetic, low cholesterol) |
| Z | None of the above |
| - | No information |
How to score it
At SOC/ROC, check every approach that is part of the current care/treatment plan at the time of assessment, even if not actually in use yet (for example, an IV hydration order starting at the next visit still counts). At discharge, check separately for the last 7 days and for the point of discharge. If none apply, check Z. Dash is a valid, rare “no information” response.
The common error
Coding IV medications under K0520A (Parenteral/IV feeding). CMS is explicit that IV medications belong in O0110H (IV Medications), not here — K0520A is reserved for IV fluids or hyperalimentation given specifically for nutrition or hydration, not to reconstitute or deliver medications.
CMS Q&As on this item
- Q683 If a patient is placed on a full liquid diet for a bowel cleanse should this be considered a mechanically…
- Q683.1 If a patient has an order to be NPO in anticipation of a procedure/surgery is this considered either a…
- Q683.500 K0520, N0415, & O0110. Please provide guidance as to the accurate response for K0520Z - Nutritional…
- Q683.501 K0520, N0415, & O0110. What is the look back or time period under consideration for the new OASIS items K0520…
- Q9 Would double portions of meals that are required as part of treatment of a disease or clinical condition be…
- Q3 If a patient is receiving a mechanically altered diet (e.g., chopped or soft food) for reasons other than a…
Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item K0520. Verified 2026-04-26.
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