What does an MDS Coordinator do?

The MDS Coordinator’s primary goal is to manage MDS assessments in long-term care facilities, which evaluate all patients’ health, quality of care and well-being. These facilities hire MDS Coordinators to ensure the paperwork gets completed correctly and consistently, as required to maintain Medicare and Medicaid funding. Using their in-depth knowledge of the assessment’s complex coding and regulations, the MDS Coordinator assesses patient care to complete forms for each patient.

They’re also involved in the admissions process, helping with initial intake assessments and regularly updating assessments for all patients. MDS Coordinators use their nursing backgrounds and the data they gather to create care plans that support residents’ health and well-being. They frequently work with the rest of the care team to ensure all patients receive high-quality care. The work involves detailed data collection, with special attention to relevant rules and regulations to ensure the facility remains in compliance.

MDS Coordinator skills and qualifications

Successful candidates in MDS Coordinator roles typically have prerequisite qualifications based on their job duties. These skills help them maintain facility compliance and ensure exceptional patient care. When writing your MDS Coordinator job description, consider including these skills and qualifications:

• Understanding of Medicare and Medicaid requirements
• Familiarity with the MDS assessment tool, including MDS coding knowledge
• An understanding of medical terminology, nursing practices and patient care standards
• Attention to detail to ensure precision in completing assessments and accurate data entry
• Assessment, data collection and documentation skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Comfort with electronic records

MDS Coordinator experience requirements

Organizations often include minimum nursing or MDS experience requirements in the job description for MDS Coordinator openings. It’s common to expect at least two or three years of general nursing experience from applicants. Some organizations hire experienced nurses without direct MDS experience and train them on the job. However, others specify a minimum number of years working with MDS forms or Medicare to have the proper background for the job.

MDS Coordinator education and training

The most common educational pathway toward becoming an MDS Coordinator is by earning a nursing degree through an accredited program. LPNs and RNs often qualify for MDS Coordinator roles after completing the state licensing exam. Candidates typically need to maintain their nursing licensure, which requires ongoing education while working in the field. Some organizations prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. An optional credential for the role is the Resident Assessment Coordinator Certified Program (RAC-CT) through the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing. Applicants with this credential have in-depth experience and knowledge of the assessment tool.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the job description of MDS Coordinator isn’t what you need, consider these additional job description examples:

• Intake Coordinator
• Patient Care Coordinator
• Nurse Case Manager
• Health Administrator

MDS Coordinator job description FAQs

What makes a good MDS Coordinator?

Succeeding as an MDS Coordinator requires attention to detail and an understanding of all the regulations related to the MDS assessment. Because they work closely with patients and their families, MDS Coordinators also need good interpersonal skills and compassion to create positive relationships. The role collaborates with other care professionals, so it helps to have effective teamwork skills.

What are the day-to-day duties of an MDS Coordinator?

On a typical day, an MDS Coordinator starts at their desk, catching up on emails and messages. They review changes in the facility’s population, including new admissions or discharges, to ensure the paperwork is completed correctly for them. Next, it’s common for the MDS Coordinator to visit and assess patients to gather information for the MDS paperwork. They spend a large part of their day completing assessments and paperwork. Meetings with various care team members also take up significant time. At the end of the day, they wrap up their assessments and submit paperwork when necessary.

What should you look for on an MDS Coordinator resume?

Resumes should show clinical nursing experience. Working in geriatrics could benefit the candidate. You might also look for job duties on the resume related to handling Medicare. Previous MDS experience is a bonus, as is evidence of the RAC-CT credential.