MDS Coordinator Job Description
MDS Coordinators oversee and facilitate the completion of resident assessments at nursing facilities. Throughout the assessment and while planning care, they ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations.
An MDS Coordinator is usually a member of the upper management team as they’re responsible for managing the assessments. They work in nursing homes and other residential nursing facilities.
MDS Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
In order to coordinate resident assessments, an MDS Coordinator performs many different tasks. We analyzed job listings for MDS Coordinator in order to identify these core duties and responsibilities.
Administer Patient Assessments
In order to coordinate patient care, one of the most crucial tasks an MDS Coordinator must complete is to administer patient assessments. MDS Coordinators oversee the assessment process, setting the assessment schedules and assuring that assessments are done in an accurate and timely manner.
Make Recommendations
After administering and reviewing assessments, the MDS Coordinator transmits assessments to the Department of Health. They review the results to make policy and procedural recommendations to the supper level management staff.
Develop Care Plans
An MDS Coordinator coordinates the care plan as according to regulatory requirements. They must ensure that important resources are made available to patients and that patient care is delivered effectively and to a satisfactory standard.
Coordinate Medicare and Medicaid
MDS Coordinators create the schedule for all Medicare and Medicaid. They also start Medicare coverage for newly qualified patients or send out denial letters. They remain updated on changes in Medicare coverage and help determine documents needed for Medicaid reimbursement.
MDS Coordinator Skills
MDS Coordinators are experienced Registered Nurses with extensive knowledge in MDS. They are detail-oriented leaders who are capable of directing other people and managing schedules. Excellent communicators, they also work cooperatively as a member of team. They’re flexible and decisive, responding quickly in high-pressure situations and completing work in a timely, accurate manner.
Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want MDS Coordinators with these core skills. If you want to work as a MDS Coordinator, focus on the following. Go getter enthusiastic ambitious
- Being a licensed Registered Nurse
- Having clinical experience in a healthcare setting
- Demonstrating basic computer skills
- Obtaining a Bachelor’s in Nursing
- Showing proficiency in MDS 3.0
- Demonstrating knowledge of state and federal regulations
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your MDS Coordinator toolbox and broaden your career options.
- Prior experience in MDS coordination
- Resident Assessment Coordinator certification
- CPR certification
- Master’s degree in related field
- Long term care experience
MDS Coordinator Resources
We searched the Web to find the best industry resources to help you continue exploring a career as a MDS Coordinator. From thought leaders to industry groups, this list is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and engage.
On the Web
MDS Central – News and updates on MDS
John Hopkins School of Nursing Blog – Great nursing stories and study tips
ADVANCE Perspective – A nursing blog told from multiple perspectives
Industry Groups
American Medical Association – Largest association of medical professionals
American Nurses Association – National organization of professional nurses
American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination – Largest organization for Nurse Assessment Coordinators
MDS Coordinator Books
Trail Guide to the Body – A comprehensive guide to locating muscles in the human body
MDS 3.0 Care Plans – Care plans made easy
I Wasn’t Strong Like This Starting Out – True stories of people becoming nurses
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