M1720 — When Anxious
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item M1720.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | None of the time |
| 1 | Less than often daily |
| 2 | Daily, but not constantly |
| 3 | All of the time |
| NA | Patient nonresponsive |
How to score it
Identify the frequency the patient felt anxious over the 14-day period immediately preceding the SOC/ROC date, based on patient/caregiver interview and referral information. Anxiety includes worry that interferes with learning and normal activities, feelings of being overwhelmed, or difficulty coping — not just a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Code NA only when the patient is nonresponsive at assessment AND the information cannot be elicited from a caregiver or other source. Dash is not a valid response for this item.
The common error
Coding NA as soon as the patient can't self-report, without first asking a caregiver or reviewing other sources for whether the patient showed anxiety during the look-back period — CMS requires exhausting those alternate sources before NA applies.
Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item M1720. Verified 2026-04-26.
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