The Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set (LCDS) Manual is an indispensable Care Tool Manual for LTCH providers. This page serves as your central resource for accessing the most current versions of the LCDS, the LCDS Manual, and related essential documents. We understand the critical importance of having up-to-date information, and this page is regularly updated to reflect any changes, newer versions, or crucial announcements concerning these vital tools for quality reporting.
For those needing to reference past guidelines, older versions of these documents are archived and readily available in the LTCH Quality Reporting Program Archives. Furthermore, for a broader understanding of the LTCH Prospective Payment System (PPS) requirements, please consult the LTCH PPS webpage.
A valuable resource for providers is the LCDS Section I, Active Diagnoses, to ICD-10 Mapping document. This tool bridges the gap between Section I data elements within the LTCH CARE Data Set (LCDS) and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes. While the definitions for primary diagnoses, comorbidities, and coexisting conditions in Section I remain consistent with the LCDS Manual, this mapping document assists in identifying patients with specific diagnoses using ICD-10 coding. It is crucial for providers to adhere to the coding guidelines detailed in Chapter 3, Section I of the LCDS Manual, accessible in the Downloads section below. It’s important to note that for diagnosis categories not based on hierarchical condition categories (HCC), the provided list of diagnosis codes is not exhaustive. For any inquiries regarding this document, please reach out to the LTCH Quality Questions Help Desk at [email protected].
The LCDS, or Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set, is the cornerstone assessment instrument for LTCH providers. It is used to systematically collect patient assessment data, a requirement under the LTCH Quality Reporting Program (QRP). This comprehensive data collection occurs at several key points: upon patient admission, at discharge (whether planned or unplanned), and in the unfortunate event of patient death (expiration). The current version in use, LCDS Version 5.1, was implemented on October 1, 2024. For detailed information regarding data collection procedures and submission deadlines, please refer to the LTCH Quality Reporting Data Submission Deadlines webpage.
The LCDS Manual itself is an essential care tool manual, offering LTCHs crucial guidance on quality data collection, submission, and reporting. Adherence to this manual ensures compliance with the LTCH Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements. Within its pages, the LCDS Manual provides item-by-item coding instructions and illustrative examples for each item. This detailed approach empowers LTCH staff to accurately and consistently complete the LCDS. The latest version of the LCDS Manual, previously known as the LTCH QRP Manual, is readily available in the Downloads section provided below. This manual is your primary care tool manual for navigating the complexities of LTCH quality reporting.
Updates to the LCDS and LCDS Manual are regularly issued to keep providers informed of the latest changes and clarifications.
December 16, 2024 Update: CMS LCDS Quarterly Q&As, December 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the December 2024 edition of the Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set (LCDS) Quarterly Q&As. This consolidated document compiles Q&As from September 2020 to December 2024, providing LTCH providers with valuable clarifications and refinements to existing guidance. This proactive approach by CMS ensures that all providers benefit from collective insights and interpretations, promoting consistent and accurate application of the LCDS guidelines. The Quarterly Q&A document can be accessed in the Downloads section of this page.
September 3, 2024 Update: CMS LCDS Quarterly Q&As, September 2024
An earlier edition of the Quarterly Q&As was published in September 2024. Similar to the December update, the September 2024 document consolidates questions and answers from September 2020 to September 2024. These Q&A documents serve as living resources, evolving as CMS identifies areas where guidance can be further clarified or refined based on provider feedback and ongoing program evaluation. The September 2024 Quarterly Q&A document remains available for reference in the Downloads section.
August 26, 2024 Update: LCDS Version 5.2 Item Sets Posted
The Fiscal Year 2025 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS)/Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS-1808-F) has mandated the collection and submission of four new standardized patient assessment data elements under the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) category. This new requirement, effective for LTCH admissions starting October 1, 2026, includes data collection at admission only for: (1) Living Situation; (2) Food insecurity; and (3) Utilities. Furthermore, the Transportation standardized patient assessment data element has been modified, also effective for admissions from October 1, 2026. These updates are incorporated into the LCDS Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (Care) Data Set (LCDS) Version 5.2 item sets. The LCDS 5.2 Item Sets are accessible through the Downloads section below. Staying informed about these updates through resources like this page and the LCDS care tool manual is crucial for LTCH providers to ensure ongoing compliance and accurate quality reporting.
