RN 4 Life

I agree with Talino and poohmdsnurse....in addition you can also be an advocate for the patient and their family by helping them make the best decision. Determine if the patient will be eligible to use both Medicare Part A and Hospice benefits. The ...

I agree, while I have not taken the course, I believe it would prove ver beneficial...once you have had a little time to work through things on your own. Waiting 6-9 months after you start the position as an MDS coordinator will give you time to lear...

This can be especially challenging when the therapist do not understand the role they play in reimbursement for the center/facility and completing the MDS. I would try talking to them first telling them the importance of the information you need, se...

I would say there is a huge learning curve for becomeing a MDS Coordinator. It takes about 6 months to grasp minimal competency and then another 6 months to begin mastering your skills and develop critical thinking skills. AANAC is a great resource. ...

I personally think it is wonderful plan, but understand the fear and concerns direct care staff face while implementing these changes? Is anyone implementing this in there facility?If so what are some of the changes you have made? & How is it wo...

The MDS Coordinators report directly to the administrator, although they receive guidance from internal consultants who also influence how they do on their annual evaluations.

I am glad to see you hung in there. There is a big learning curve to be a MDS Coordinator and an even bigger learning curve to be a successful one. Are there any specific questions you have about scheduling? I'd like to help you if I can....

The MDS 3.0 is going to a poweful tool. Its ability to help us assess and collect data regarding how our patient is doing is going to change to face of care in the nursing home. I do believe that people are afraid of having deficent practices in ther...

How are things coming along? How are the patients and their families responding and how is the staff adjusting. I think your facility taking the best approach to implementing culture change.

It is now March 14th and I am wondering how you are making out? Have you got your first Medicare patient yet? Do you have any questions? Let us know how you are doing?

I am a member of AANAC, AANEX and allnurses, I like them all. But I have to say allnurses is my favorite. I like all the extras such as the Thank You's, ability to email privately, how you can rate a thread. I also like how you have full control of w...

you are correct, it does not state that as a specific reason for there use, but i do believe the intent is to allow some flexibility to the patient and the staff. not making the rules so strict that someone should loose a rug category inadvertantly. ...

As an MDS Coordinator it is part of your responsiblity to maximize reimbursement. I think sometimes nurses feel this is a negative thing and look at it as shameful. Yet, it is a very important part of allowing the facility/center to pay for the care...

I am just wondering whether or not you accepted the position and how things are going so far. I do know of several LPNs who are MDS Coordinators and they are all very very good. They maximize revenue for there facilities and they have no problems bec...

below is an excerpt from the federal register detailing the appropriateness of grace days. ultimately it is appropriate to use grace days to more accurately capture therapy minutes or other treatments. it is not illegal to use day 8 to capture an ult...

Well, one thing I definetly would not do is have a prearranged idea of when every assessment would be "the first Monday in there assessment period". First look at the type of assessment you would be completing. I think you are on the right track by l...

just take one day at a time. there are rewards and there are stressors to being an mds coordinator. as you become familiar with your role and what you need you develop ways to make your job easier and then.....you will begin to see some of the reward...

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 pictur...

Oh by the way, remember they should count the minutes they use before and after the treatment is givien to determine need and it effectiveness i.e. lung sounds, pulse ox measurements, etc. This usually equals about 15 minutes per treatment. But they ...

Is it possible you can have them document the number of minutes in the MAR or TAR underneath their signature.

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...

Just remember that if the resident is Medicare you must submit at least a 5 day assessment if they are in your facility past midnight the day of admission...Example: Admitted on 2/14/07 at 9:45pm and sent out to the hospital at 1am and admitted on 2/...

Are you serious...Your being sarcastic? Right? I am know you wouldn't let your residents suffer because a policy allows you more flexibility to care for your residents? I know you would use your skill as a nurse and your critical thinking skills to g...

No, twojays my comments were intended for you...while you may not be 100% in agreement with the initiation of culture change in your facility [and trust me I do understand your concerns] I appreciate your feedback! Why because I understand and can re...

I agree, I would get out!!! Dont loose your license by working in these conditions... this is CRAZY!!! Please quit! You have worked 2 hard to become a nurse to give it all up! Start looking today...so you can give your 2 weeks tomorrow.