M1870: CMS OASIS Q&As

M1870 - Feeding or Eating, identifies the patient's ability to feed themself food and does not include total parenteral nutrition (TPN). If the patient is receiving TPN and is also taking in nutrients orally, the answer will be response 0, response 1, or response 2. Response 5 would apply if the patient is not able to take in nutrients orally or by tube feeding and is receiving all nutrition intravenously or for patients who are only receiving IV hydration.

If a patient requires constant supervision throughout the meal in order to eat or feed self safely, the appropriate M1870 - Feeding or Eating response is 2 - Unable to feed self and must be assisted or supervised throughout the meal/snack.

M1870 - Feeding or Eating identifies the patient’s ability to feed themself, including the process of eating, chewing, and swallowing food. The intent of the item is to identify the patient’s ABILITY, not necessarily actual performance. “Willingness” and “adherence” are not the focus of these items. These items address the patient’s ability to safely self-feed, given the current physical and mental/emotional/cognitive status, activities permitted, and environment. Responses 4 and 5 include non-oral intake. In your scenario, the patient is feeding themself orally and is at risk for aspiration due to difficulty swallowing. If a patient requires constant supervision throughout the meal in order to complete this activity safely, the appropriate M1870 response is 2 - Unable to feed self and must be assisted or supervised throughout the meal/snack. Response 5 - Unable to take in nutrients orally or by tube feeding, is the best response for patients who are not able to take in nutrients orally or by tube feeding. This may be the case for patients who receive all nutrition intravenously (such as TPN) or for patients who are receiving only intravenous hydration.