What are GG Codes?

GG codes are numerical values used within Section GG of standardized healthcare assessments to quantify an individual's functional ability and the level of assistance they require for self-care and mobility tasks. These codes provide a universal language for healthcare professionals to assess, document, and communicate a patient's functional status, playing a crucial role in care planning, goal setting, and tracking progress.

Understanding Section GG

Section GG is a vital component of various post-acute care assessments, such as the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for skilled nursing facilities and the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI). Its primary purpose is to capture a patient's "usual performance" in various functional activities, including personal care (e.g., eating, dressing, toileting) and mobility (e.g., transfers, walking).

By standardizing functional assessments, Section GG helps:

• Establish a baseline for a patient's capabilities upon admission.
• Identify specific areas where a patient needs assistance.
• Guide the development of individualized care plans and therapy goals.
• Track improvements or declines in functional ability over time.
• Inform discharge planning and appropriate care settings.

The Meaning Behind GG Codes

GG codes are assigned based on the amount of physical assistance and/or verbal cues an individual needs to complete a task. The lower the code number (within the provided range), the greater the level of dependence or assistance required. Understanding these codes is essential for accurate documentation and effective communication among care teams.

Here's a breakdown of key GG codes and their corresponding functional abilities:

Let's explore what each of these codes signifies:

• Code 1: Dependent
  This code indicates that the staff performs all of the effort to complete the activity. The patient does not participate in the activity at all. This level signifies complete reliance on others for the task.

• Code 2: Substantial/Maximal Assistance
  With this code, the staff performs most (more than half) of the effort. The patient participates, but their contribution is less than half of the effort required for the activity.

• Code 3: Partial/Moderate Assistance
  This code means the staff provides less than half of the effort, while the patient completes more than half of the effort for the activity. It indicates a higher level of patient participation compared to maximal assistance.

• Code 4: Supervision or Touching Assistance
  This level of assistance means the patient requires only verbal cues, standby assistance, or light contact guard assistance to complete the activity. The staff's hands may be on the patient, but they provide no more assistance than touching to maintain balance or stability.

These codes are critical for capturing a granular view of a patient's functional independence and for ensuring that appropriate resources and support are allocated. For more detailed information on Section GG and self-care measures, refer to guides like the Section GG and Self-Care Measures: Facility Guide and FAQ.