MDS Coordinator

MDS Coordinator 

Position Summary

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.

Preferred

• RAC-CT (Resident Assessment Coordinator–Certified) certification.
• Previous MDS Coordinator experience.
• Experience with Medicare PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use computer systems for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to move throughout the facility and attend resident care meetings.

Key Skills

• MDS 3.0 coding
• PDPM reimbursement knowledge
• Care planning
• Regulatory compliance
• Clinical assessment
• Time management
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Attention to detail