How should an ulcer treated with a graft or flap procedure be reported on the OASIS?

When reporting an ulcer treated with a graft or flap procedure on the OASIS, the correct approach is to classify it as a Surgical Wound until the site has been epithelialized for more than 30 days. This distinction is important because it reflects the healing status of the wound and acknowledges the intervention that has taken place.

Surgical wounds, as designated in the OASIS guidelines, are meant to capture the specific nature of wounds that arise from surgical interventions, which includes grafts and flaps used to close or treat ulcers. The requirement for epithelialization for more than 30 days before changing the classification emphasizes the ongoing nature of wound healing and the fact that the graft or flap might still be in a state of recovery and might not yet reflect typical healing stages associated with pressure ulcers.

This approach allows for a more accurate representation of the patient's condition and reflects the current medical understanding that surgical interventions modify the healing process, impacting both clinical assessment and care planning. Hence, recognizing the graft or flap procedure and the timeframe for healing is crucial for proper documentation in OASIS.