The High Cost of Untrained MDS Coordinators: Stop Throwing Away Your Revenue

"Just put any nurse in there - they can handle the MDS." If this sounds like your facility's approach to MDS coordination, you're literally throwing money away. We're not talking about small change - we're talking about thousands of dollars per resident.

The Real-World Cost of Poor MDS Training

Let's talk numbers. During a recent audit, we discovered a facility where the untrained MDS nurse was completing ADL sections based purely on documentation - no observation, no proper assessment. The result? Incorrect coding on over 60 charts, directly impacting PDPM and NTA scores.

The financial impact? $2,500 to $4,000 per chart in lost revenue.

Do the math:

• 60 charts × $2,500 (minimum loss) = $150,000
• 60 charts × $4,000 (maximum loss) = $240,000

That's up to a quarter-million dollars in lost revenue from improper coding on just one section of the MDS.

Common Critical Errors We're Finding

The Hospital Diagnosis Trap

One of the most frequent errors we encounter? Using hospital diagnoses instead of current SNF treatment conditions. This isn't just wrong - it's costly. Your facility isn't being reimbursed for what you're actually treating, leading to:

• Incorrect PDPM categories
• Misaligned care plans
• Potential compliance issues
• Significant revenue loss

The ADL Accuracy Crisis

When MDS coordinators aren't properly trained in assessment:

• Documentation doesn't match actual care delivered
• Staff observations are ignored
• ADL scores are inaccurate
• PDPM calculations are wrong
• Quality Measures suffer

The Domino Effect on Quality Measures

Incorrect MDS coding doesn't just impact revenue. Every Quality Measure in your facility is affected when your MDS coordinator isn't properly trained. This means:

• Lower Star Ratings
• Decreased referrals
• Increased scrutiny from surveyors
• Potential loss of preferred provider status

The True Cost Goes Beyond Dollars

While the immediate financial impact is staggering, the long-term costs are even more severe:

• Increased survey deficiencies
• Poor Quality Measure scores
• Inaccurate care plans
• Staff frustration and turnover
• Potential compliance penalties

Stop the Revenue Bleed

You wouldn't let an untrained nurse handle your facility's medications - why would you let an untrained coordinator handle your MDS? The solution is clear:

1. Recognize the MDS coordinator role requires specialized expertise
2. Invest in proper training and certification
3. Ensure ongoing education and support
4. Implement proper oversight and auditing
5. Partner with experts who understand the complexities

Take Action Now

SMK Medical specializes in:

• Comprehensive MDS coordinator training
• Revenue recovery audits
• PDPM optimization
• Quality Measure improvement
• Ongoing MDS support and education

Don't wait for an audit to reveal hundreds of thousands in lost revenue. Contact SMK Medical today for a consultation and learn how proper MDS training can protect your facility's financial health and compliance status.

Ready to stop throwing away revenue? Contact SMK Medical now for expert MDS training and support that pays for itself.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog by SMK Medical is for general informational purposes only and is specifically tailored to post-acute care executives, leaders, and directors. The information, including regulatory compliance guidance, reflects our understanding at the time of publication. Rules, regulations, and standards in the healthcare industry are subject to frequent change, and SMK Medical makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness or current accuracy of the content provided.

All case examples or scenarios mentioned have been anonymized and/or aggregated to protect the identity of the parties involved. This blog does not constitute professional advice, consultation services, or establish a client relationship. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified professionals and verify current regulations before making any decisions based on the information presented.

SMK Medical expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of or reliance on this content.