Re: If a feeding tube is not being used...

[Debbie Nichols]

We code feeding tube if they have one even if they only get water flushes.  The manual says Presence of any type of tube that can deliver food/nutritional substances/fluids/medications directly into the gastrointestinal system.  It doesn't say it has to be used for tube feedings to be counted.  Of course now that I am saying we code it I am probably wrong (but I don't think so). Debbie Nichols RN RAC-C ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:00 PM Subject: Re: If a feeding tube is not being used... In a message dated 3/16/2004 4:53:23 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Have a question for the group. Having a disagreement with someone regarding a feeding tube that is not being used. They are telling me that because it's not being used, it should not be coded. Excuse me ... it's being flushed everyday every shift, why is it not being used? There are 2 residents that have tubes that aren't being used except for a flush. I referred them to page 3 - 153 of the manual but I still get arguments. The Feeding tube should be coded, right? No...the feeding tube should be DC'd!