Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2023A)
Posted: 08/12/2022

Release Notes:
Data Element
Version 2023A

Name:Ambulation
Collected For: THKR-IP-2, THKR-OP-2
Definition:Documentation that the patient ambulated at any time during the postoperative period.
Question:Did the patient ambulate at any time during the postoperative period?
Format:
Length:1
Type:Alphanumeric
Occurs:1
Allowable Values:

Y (Yes)   There is documentation the patient ambulated during the postoperative period.

N (No)   There is no documentation the patient ambulated during the postoperative period or unable to determine from medical record documentation.
Notes for Abstraction:
  • Review the record to determine if the patient ambulated at any time following the surgical procedure. There is no minimum distance requirement.
  • Ambulation with assistive devices (e.g., walker, cane) and/or physical assist (e.g., therapist, nurse) is acceptable.
  • Ambulation in the PACU is acceptable.
  • Documentation that the patient actually ambulated must be present. Do not assume the patient ambulated based solely on documentation that physical/occupational therapy saw the patient.
  • See the list of terms listed in the Inclusion/Exclusion Guidelines to determine if documentation supports ambulation.
  • Ambulation can be documented by any member of the healthcare team including but not limited to physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, nurse, nurse assistant, clinical technician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, kinesiotherapist.
Suggested Data Sources:
  • Nursing notes
  • Progress notes
  • Flowsheets
  • Rehabilitation records
  • Therapy notes (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiotherapy)
Additional Notes:

Guidelines for Abstraction:
Inclusion Exclusion
  • Ambulate
  • Step
  • Walk

  • Bedside commode usage
  • Dangle
  • Out of bed order
  • Sit in bed
  • Sit out of bed
  • Sit to Stand
  • Stand
  • Transfer from bed to chair
  • Up to chair

Ambulation
CPT® only copyright 2022 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2023A)
Discharges 01-01-23 (1Q23) through 06-30-23 (2Q23)

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