Learn how to complete Functional Items (GG) in OASIS for home health, with real-world examples that improve accuracy, compliance, and patient-centered care.
Introduction: Why GG Items Trip Up RNs
If you’re a home health RN, you know the GG functional items in OASIS can feel tricky. They ask you to rate how much help a patient needs with everyday activities—but patients often overestimate independence (“I’m fine!”) or underreport struggles out of pride.
The key to mastering GG items is understanding them by example. When you break them down into real-world scenarios, the coding becomes clear, accurate, and Medicare-compliant.
What Are GG Functional Items?
GG items measure a patient’s ability to perform self-care and mobility tasks. They’re required for:
- Quality reporting (impacting star ratings).
- Care planning (showing therapy and nursing needs).
- Outcome measurement (tracking progress across episodes).
👉 For a refresher on linking functional data into assessments, see Comprehensive Assessment & Functional Testing.
GG Coding Scale (Quick Refresher)
- 06 = Independent – No assistance needed.
- 05 = Setup/Clean-Up Assistance – Helper readies or cleans up, but patient does task alone.
- 04 = Supervision/Touching Assistance – Verbal cues, standby help, or light touch.
- 03 = Partial/Moderate Assistance – Helper does less than half.
- 02 = Substantial/Maximal Assistance – Helper does more than half.
- 01 = Dependent – Patient needs full help.
Functional Items by Example
🛁 Example 1: Bathing
Mrs. L can wash her upper body but needs her daughter to wash her legs and back.
- Code: 03 (Partial/Moderate Assistance).
👉 Don’t forget to tie this into risk screens (see Risk Screens: Falls, Depression, Nutrition, Pain & Skin).
🍴 Example 2: Eating
Mr. R feeds himself with adaptive utensils, but his caregiver sets up the meal and opens containers.
- Code: 05 (Setup/Clean-Up Assistance).
👉 Cross-check with medication reconciliation—nutrition and meds often go hand-in-hand (see Medication Reconciliation That Sticks).
🚶 Example 3: Walking
Mrs. J uses a walker to get from her bedroom to the kitchen but needs her spouse close by for safety.
- Code: 04 (Supervision/Touching Assistance).
👉 If mobility is limited, connect findings to the plan of care (see Build the Plan of Care at the Bedside).
🚽 Example 4: Toileting
Mr. K can position himself but requires his caregiver to provide steadying support when standing.
- Code: 04 (Supervision/Touching Assistance).
🛏️ Example 5: Bed Mobility
Ms. S can roll independently but requires help sitting up fully at the edge of the bed.
- Code: 03 (Partial/Moderate Assistance).
Common Pitfalls with GG Items
- Coding “hope” instead of “reality”: Score based on what the patient can do today, not before hospitalization.
- Ignoring safety cues: If the patient is unsafe without supervision, they are not independent.
- Inconsistent scoring: Ensure GG codes align with OASIS ADL/IADL items for accuracy.
👉 For more compliance watch-outs, see Essentials & Watch-Outs (OASIS).
Final Thoughts: Function Tells the Story
GG functional items may seem like a coding exercise, but they actually tell the story of how a patient lives at home. By using real-world examples, RNs can score accurately, create better plans of care, and ensure patients receive the support they truly need.
✨ Want step-by-step guidance on SOC visits, including GG item scoring and functional testing?
Check out my RN Home Health SOC Guidebook on Kindle. It’s packed with real-world examples, compliance checklists, and documentation tips to make SOC visits smoother, faster, and more effective.
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