MDS Coordinators/ RN or LPN Assessment Coordinators

[RN 4 Life]

i would like to use this thread to discuss mds tips and answer questions. please post any and all types of questions on mds's from how to ?'s to salary ?'s. i will begin by asking the the following question:

i am getting ready for my february picture date. does anyone have any tips on how to get your case-mix up. i just want hear what other coordinators are doing to prepare.

i cant wait to chat!!!

[brendamyheart]

To Talinl. Yes CMS may not recognize a credential program, however since I am certified with extensive training, can debate with surveyor why I did what I did on an MDS.

Comfort level there.

[brendamyheart]

Sorry Talino. Spelled your handle wrong:stone

[catmom1, BSN, RN]

I will pose my question here since it got no response when I started a new thread for it. Does anyone know what the recommended number of Medicare/rehab beds per MDS coordinator is? I think my facility needs to hire someone additional and would like some kind of idea what we should be shooting for. All I know is that I am swamped!

Thanks--

Catmom :smilecoffeecup:

[RN 4 Life]

I dont know a set amount of assessments per MDS Coordinator, but as a traveling consultant I have seen that the facilities that have the best revenue reimbursement from the MDS are those that the MDS Coordinators are allowed "think time" to determine the best ways to capture all the vital information.

To let you know what I have seen:

1 MDS Coordinator: 15 Medicare 30 LTC- No Careplans- Good facility reimbursement.

2 MDS Coordinators: 50 Medicare -No LTC- No Careplans- Good Facility reimbursement

3 MDS Coordinators: 30 Medicare- 180 LTC- Careplans- Average to Poor Reimbursement- Could benefit from 1 more FT or PT Coordinator

3 MDS Coordinators [2 FT & 1 PT] 15 Medicare- 80 LTC- Careplans- Great to Excellent Reimbursement

I hope this helps.

[catmom1, BSN, RN]

Thanks RN 4 Life for the answer. We have 60 Medicare beds, are expected to do careplans and have only me and an even less experienced LPN (the DON signs off on her MDS's) and I am overwhelmed.

Thanks for letting me vent a little.

Catmom

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

Ok, I feel dumb. What is MDS?

[caliotter3]

MDS stands for Minimum Data Set. The experts can explain the nuts and bolts of it.

[Rizpah]

In my definition - the MDS is a total look at the resident - head to toe, inside and out, strengths and weaknesses. Generates the reimbursement for Medicare residents, helps to design the care plan for all residents - a tool to make one really look at the resident - I've had some real "ah HA!" moments when doing some MDS', kinda makes you use your critical thinking skills more. Just my 2 cents worth.....

[chlori]

I have a question for everyone out there. What are everyone's medicaid and medicare average case mix scores? And what type of building is it?

[nursy711]

hello. I've been MDS Coordinator Assistant for the past 5 years, Ive Taken the coordinators place when she was on vacation and out sick for 3 months. THE MDS Coordinator is leaving in 2 weeks. The Don asked me if I wanted the job, which of course I do. My question is, if I become certified do I still need an RN to sign off on the MDS? My second question is, how much of a raise should I ask for? keep in mind, they will not be replacing me (assistant) so I will be working by myself.

[brendamyheart]

hello. I've been MDS Coordinator Assistant for the past 5 years, Ive Taken the coordinators place when she was on vacation and out sick for 3 months. THE MDS Coordinator is leaving in 2 weeks. The Don asked me if I wanted the job, which of course I do. My question is, if I become certified do I still need an RN to sign off on the MDS? My second question is, how much of a raise should I ask for? keep in mind, they will not be replacing me (assistant) so I will be working by myself.

Yes you will still need the RN to sign. About the raise, depends on what you are making now and what they are willing to give.

[nursy711]

hello again. Well after looking at the salaries posted im afraid to tell u what i make. I ve been in the same facility for 7 years, no benefits, no retirement, and i make 25.50 an hour.

my question about mds is, does an RN have to do the raps? and can a LPN run a care plan meeting? i usually do all the raps and run the ccp meetings in the absence of the coordinator, just wondering throught the states eyes is that ok? (NEW YORK)