The MDS Coordinator manages the completion and submission of resident assessments in accordance with federal and state regulations. This role ensures accurate clinical documentation, coordinates interdisciplinary care planning, supports reimbursement processes, and promotes quality resident outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assessment and Documentation
Coordinate and complete MDS assessments according to CMS guidelines and required timeframes.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of resident assessment data.
Review medical records to support assessment coding and documentation.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations.
Care Planning
Lead or participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
Develop, update, and evaluate individualized resident care plans.
Collaborate with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, and other departments to ensure resident needs are addressed.
Medicare and Reimbursement Management
Monitor Medicare Part A and managed care residents.
Optimize reimbursement through accurate clinical documentation and MDS coding.
Work with billing and finance departments regarding reimbursement issues.
Track assessment schedules and transmission deadlines.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Monitor quality measures and identify opportunities for improvement.
Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
Assist with survey preparation and regulatory compliance efforts.
Conduct chart audits and provide education regarding documentation standards.
Staff Education and Communication
Educate nursing staff on documentation requirements and MDS processes.
Serve as a resource regarding CMS regulations and reimbursement guidelines.
Communicate assessment findings and care plan changes to the interdisciplinary team.
Qualifications
Required
Current Indiana Registered Nurse (RN) license; some facilities may consider an LPN with extensive MDS experience.
Minimum 1–3 years of long-term care experience.
Knowledge of CMS MDS 3.0 guidelines and Medicare reimbursement systems.
Strong assessment, documentation, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.