Re: Time studies

[Aurorarnc]

I want to share my experience with everyone.  I have been involved with the MDS process since 1994, from 1.5 version to 2.0 version.  Our facility is 288 beds, all medicare/medicaid certified.  We started as 2 MDS Coordinators, then we became 3 to 3 1/2 since PPS began.  We have 3 subacute floors (56 beds) to admit our short term stay residents.  As an MDS Coordinator (RNAC), each are assigned to 1 subacute floor (18 to 20 beds) and 2 long term floors (approx. total of less than a hundred each).  Each of us has an average of 15 to 25 assessments/wk (PPS, adm, quaterlies, sig. change and annuals).  Our 4th person usually attends ITC meetings and help with the assessments as scheduled (works 20 hours/wk).  We submit an average of 200 to 250 MDSs/month including discharge and re-entry trackings.  Our focus is to outline the care that we deliver, how we will be reimbursed for that care and coaching the entire interdisciplinary team in completing the MDS as effciciently and accurately as possible (OBRA and PPS).  If you are new in the process it is normal to be slow and expect more hours to do 1 comprehensive assessment with care plans (about 4 to 6 hours depending on your triggers).  No one in your building, nor in the planet, not even your administrator or DON fully understand how and what you are doing.  I'm glad and feel successful of what I have learned and experienced through the years, the never ending challenges working in a long-term healthcare industry.  If you are an expert, you are faster and organized than ever!  You would be counting the days as you are excited to have the surveyors in your building - excellent MDS and care plans with positive outcomes mean a rewarding career!  I can do 1 adm assessment be it linked to a 5 day or 14 day PPS, including careplans for 3-4 hours, PPS assessment for 30 minutes to an hour, an annual assessment or Sig. Change for 2-3 hours, and a quarterly assessment for an hour or more (includes review and revision of care plans as indicated) - however, it varies if the assessment is complicated.  This is my very own experience.  Comments and opinions are very much appreciated.   Aurora A. Curameng, RN, C, RAC-C MDS Coordinator