Regional MDS Coordinator Recruiters

What do we check before you see anyone?

Assessment scheduling: Ask, “How would you review a building’s assessment calendar after discovering missed dates?” Look for identification of affected assessments, escalation to local leadership, and a follow-up process that checks whether scheduling errors recur. Coding support: Ask, “What would you examine when an MDS entry conflicts with nursing documentation?”

• A useful answer names the supporting record, relevant assessment period, staff clarification, and the applicable correction process.
• PDPM knowledge: Ask, “How do you review coding that affects Medicare payment without encouraging unsupported entries?” Listen for accurate assessment rules, source documentation, and communication with nursing, therapy, and billing.
• Regional coaching: Ask, “How would you teach coordinators who keep making different versions of the same error?” Look for targeted instruction, reviewed examples, and later checks of actual assessments rather than attendance alone.
• Licensure and scope: Confirm active nursing licensure wherever the assigned nursing duties require it. Ask which duties the candidate personally performed. MDS-related certification may support your selection, but it should not be presented as a universal legal mandate.
• Travel and coverage: Ask, “What would your week look like if two buildings requested help while another had a scheduled audit?” Look for transparent escalation, realistic travel planning, and a distinction between coaching and completing assessments.

Which mistakes stall the search?

Do not advertise regional oversight while expecting daily vacancy coverage. Describe how often the person completes assessments and who carries local responsibility during visits. Do not treat reimbursement gains as proof of sound assessment practice. Ask what documentation supported changes and how the candidate handled unsupported coding.