MDS Coordinator

Position Overview:  

The MDS Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the resident assessment and care planning process within the long-term care facility. This position ensures Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments are completed accurately and timely in accordance with CMS requirements, state and federal regulations, and facility standards. This position serves as a key clinical and regulatory resource for the facility and requires strong nursing judgement, attention to detail, organization, and collaboration across departments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and complete MDS assessments in accordance with CMS requirements, the RAI Manual, state regulations, and facility policies.
• Maintain an accurate schedule of required assessments and ensure assessments are completed and submitted within required timeframes.
• Gather and review clinical documentation necessary to accurately complete resident assessments.
• Conduct resident interviews, observations, and record reviews as required for completion of the MDS.
• Coordinate input from members of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Ensure MDS coding accurately reflects the resident's current clinical condition, functional status, diagnoses, treatments, and services.
• Complete or coordinate required assessments following admission, significant changes in condition, quarterly and annual reviews, and other qualifying events.
• Submit MDS assessments electronically and address validation errors, warnings, or rejected submissions in a timely manner.
• Participate in and coordinate interdisciplinary care planning based on information identified through the resident assessment process.
• Ensure resident care plans are individualized, current, measurable, and reflective of identified needs, risks, preferences, and goals.
• Communicate changes in resident condition or identified care needs to appropriate members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Participate in resident and family care conferences as appropriate.
• Monitor documentation to ensure the resident's plan of care is supported by the medical record and reflects the services being provided.
• Maintain knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), and other reimbursement requirements applicable to skilled nursing and long-term care.
• Review documentation to support accurate resident classification and reimbursement.
• Collaborate with nursing, therapy, providers, and other departments to obtain complete and accurate supporting documentation.
• Identify documentation deficiencies and provide education or follow-up to appropriate staff.
• Monitor skilled services and documentation for residents receiving Medicare or other skilled benefits as assigned.
• Assist with Medicare meetings, utilization review, or triple-check processes as applicable.
• Support accurate capture of clinical conditions, diagnoses, treatments, and services that affect reimbursement and quality reporting.
• Maintain current knowledge of CMS regulations, RAI requirements, MDS updates, PDPM, Quality Measures, Five-Star Quality Rating System measures, and applicable state requirements.
• Assist the facility in preparing for state and federal surveys related to MDS, care planning, documentation, and resident care.
• Participate and manage Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities as assigned.
• Review quality measure data and assist leadership in identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in audits of MDS assessments, care plans, and supporting clinical documentation.
• Assist with development and implementation of corrective action plans when deficiencies or areas of concern are identified.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all facility privacy and security policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

McKenzie Health reserves the right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities as necessary. The description of critical job features is not exhaustive and may change as deemed appropriate.

Physical Requirements:       

The employee must be able to perform the physical requirements associated with nursing duties in a long-term care environment, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and assisting with resident care when necessary. The employee must be able to safely perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Personal Qualities:
  • Outgoing: An approachable and engaging personality that fosters strong relationships with staff, patients, and healthcare providers.
  • Positive Outlook: A proactive attitude that promotes a constructive, can-do environment, even in challenging situations.
  • Proactive Problem Solver: Demonstrates initiative in identifying and addressing challenges before they become issues, improving operational efficiency.
  • Accountable: Takes full responsibility for actions and outcomes, demonstrating reliability and integrity in all aspects of the role.
  • Exceptional Follow-Through: Consistently ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and accurately, meeting or exceeding expectations.
  • Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and keep the laboratory running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Collaborative: Works well with others, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere and encouraging input from all departments to achieve common goals.
  • Friendly: Maintains a warm, approachable demeanor that creates a welcoming environment for both staff and patients.
  • Exceptional Customer Service Skills: Provides outstanding service to both patients and internal departments, ensuring a positive and seamless experience for all stakeholders.
  • Leads by Example: Demonstrates leadership through actions, setting a high standard for others and promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.
  • Mentors Others: Actively invests in the development of team members, offering guidance, support, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Builds Up Others: Encourages and inspires colleagues, fostering a positive work environment and a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
  • Dedicated to the Mission: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the organization’s mission and values, aligning personal and team goals with the larger objectives of the healthcare facility.
  • Committed to Continuing Growth: Embraces continuous learning and professional development, actively seeking opportunities to grow and improve both personally and as a leader.
  • Embraces Change: Adaptable and open to new ideas and changes in technology, processes, or strategies, promoting an environment of innovation and growth.
  • Must successfully pass background checks and drug screen.

Education and Experience:

• Knowledge of long-term care nursing practices and regulatory requirements.
• Strong clinical assessment, documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assessments and regulatory deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and computer-based documentation systems.

Preferred:

• Previous MDS experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care setting.
• Experience with the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process and PDPM.
• Previous experience with Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement requirements.
• RAC-CT certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Previous long-term care or skilled nursing clinical experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

McKenzie Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.