MDS coding in M section

[LINDA FUCHS]

I recently had an appeal with the state department on my coding of the MDS. I have a resident who received treatment to 2 open areas on her legs for about 6 weeks. These areas started as skin tears that were repaired with steri strips but later became open lesions. Because they started as skin tears the State said I could not count them as open lesions nor could I stage them on the MDS. My question is: how can an area continue to be called a skin tear when it now is open, with the skin and tissue gone and is at a stage 2?  I also felt when an area required treatment for 6 weeks before it healed it is more than a skin tear. I lost my appeal. I view this as unfair as the facility does not get any credit for doing treatments when it is classified a skin tear. What are others thoughts on this? I also felt I was correct in my coding as the manual states open lesions/sores are skin ulcers that may develop because of injury. Isn't a skin tear an injury?  I would appreciate others opinon and experience regarding this.    Linda Fuchs CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this message in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you.