MDS Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and complete MDS assessments according to regulatory timelines.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive resident assessments.
• Review medical records to validate assessment data and supporting documentation.
• Submit MDS assessments to regulatory agencies within required deadlines.
• Monitor assessment schedules and maintain compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements.
• Develop, coordinate, and update individualized care plans based on resident assessments.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
• Ensure care plans reflect residents' current needs, goals, and preferences.
• Communicate assessment findings to nursing staff, physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Maintain compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and state regulations.
• Participate in surveys, audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Stay current on MDS, RAI, and reimbursement regulations and updates.
• Educate staff regarding documentation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement processes through accurate coding and assessment.
• Review documentation for appropriate Resource Utilization Group (RUG) or Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) classification.
• Collaborate with billing and finance departments to maximize reimbursement while maintaining compliance.
• Monitor quality measures and identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license; some facilities may consider LPN/LVN candidates.
• Certification such as RAC-CT preferred.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation.
• Strong knowledge of MDS 3.0, RAI process, CMS regulations, and PDPM.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Required Skills

• Clinical assessment and documentation.
• MDS coding accuracy.
• Care planning and coordination.
• Regulatory compliance knowledge.
• Time management and attention to detail.
• Data analysis and quality improvement.
• Team collaboration and leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review detailed clinical documentation.
• Occasional lifting, bending, and assisting with resident assessments as needed.