Documenting Respiratory Symptoms:
MassHealth Requirements for
Shortness of Breath When Lying Flat
Thursday, October 29, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Virtual
Event Description:
Accurately coding shortness of breath when lying flat requires a documented clinical assessment that supports the MDS response. This session will examine MassHealth Bulletin 201’s expectations for documentation of an active respiratory diagnosis, assessment findings within the look-back period, and evidence that a resident experiences shortness of breath when lying flat or avoids that position because of breathing difficulty. Participants will explore how interviews, observations, clinical notes, and individualized care plans work together to support coding accuracy. Practical strategies will help teams identify documentation gaps, strengthen audit readiness, and support appropriate reimbursement.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Explain MassHealth Bulletin 201's documentation requirements for shortness of breath when lying flat, including supporting diagnosis documentation and assessment by an appropriate clinician.
2. Identify clinical evidence within the look-back period that supports shortness of breath when lying flat or avoidance of lying flat because of shortness of breath.
3. Describe the interviews, observations, medical history review, and symptom assessment needed to support a complete respiratory assessment.
4. Apply interdisciplinary documentation and care planning strategies that connect assessment findings with measurable treatment goals and interventions to decrease symptoms.
Presenter:
Alicia Cantinieri, Chief ReCom Officer, Zimmet Health Care Services Group
Target Audience:
Administrators, Directors of Nursing, Nursing Clinical Reimbursement Managers, Corporate Compliance staff, and Chief Financial Officers
Cost Per Person:
$70 Mass Senior Care Member
$140 Non-Member
CEUs: 1.0
Cancellation Policy:
Mass Senior Care will be notified in writing no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the seminar for a refund, minus a $25 processing fee, which will be refunded in the manner in which the payment was made. “No Show” attendees will be billed at the full registration fee. Cancellations should be emailed to info@maseniorcare.org.