MDS coord.

Rustyhammer · Mar 8, 2003

I have all that. What exactly are you looking for?

-Russell

flopmingale · Mar 8, 2003

Thanks for responding, I am looking for any type of scheduling device/tool. Every month I have to count manually. Also, any ideas on how involved state surveyors are with the RAI/transmissions, etc.?

ChainedChaosRN · Mar 8, 2003

Congrats on your new job. The only thing you really need is the MDS manual...new version is available online or from Briggs. Briggs also sells a date spinner for $10, takes the chore out of counting days.

Surveyors look at the MDS/RAPs and care plans with a fine tooth comb. They already know before they come in your facility if you are doing your MDS's timely and submitting timely. They also bring the Quality Indicators with them.

Good luck with your new job!

Disablednurse · Mar 8, 2003

Make sure you print out your quality indicators on a regular basis. That way you can be one step ahead of the surveyors. Go to any training sessions that you can find, especially those put on by the state. I was MDS coordinator for 8 years up until I had to quit working because of a back problem that left me unable to work. PM me anytime you have a question and I will do my best to help you. I come from one of the first states that did MDSs. Congrats on your job. What state are you from?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 8, 2003

One of the many things surveyors look for is whether your MDS, RAPs, and care plans match. It seems so basic, but it's one of the biggest headaches in LTC because EVERYTHING has to match, and people sometimes change so quickly that it seems you're having to change that care plan every week. It's hard to keep up, unless you're one of the lucky few who doesn't have a caseload of 40 or 50 residents, but it's soooooooo important. Good luck to you.....you have what is arguably THE hardest and most thankless job in the LTC industry.

Rustyhammer · Mar 8, 2003

I have a scheduling program on my computer that lets me know when residents are due for their next assessment. I also keep a tickler file for both primary and pps assessments. I just got the spinner to keep track of the days (haven't used it yet but it looks pretty neat).

By all means get the new (2003) RAI manual. That will answer all your questions (almost) and you should be able to get a "most frequently asked questions" from the CMS website.

Learn to read the QI's.

There is a lot to this job. I was told once that it takes 6 months to a year before you get comfortable with it. Use your consultant or mentor a lot.

PM me anytime with questions.

-Russell

oceanblue · Mar 10, 2003

CONGRATS!! I'm also the MDS Coordinator at my LTC facility, I've been PT in the position for about 2 yrs., & full time for 10 months, I am the only one in the MDS position for 78 beds. Definitley, get the new RAI manual, I also got the "addendum" thru AANAC org., it's great. I made out my own scheduling forms for medicare & non- medicare assesment schedules. Good luck! & feel free to PC me anytime.