Tara Smith
Potosi,MO
Summary
Detail-oriented MDS Coordinator with proven skills in assessment accuracy, compliance management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and enhance resident outcomes through effective care planning.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
MDS Coordinator
Potosi Manor
Potosi, MO
03.2025 - Current
- Coordinated completion of Minimum Data Set assessments for accurate resident care planning.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations during data collection and reporting.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to review care plans and improve resident outcomes.
- Managed documentation processes, maintaining accuracy in electronic health record systems.
- Trained nursing staff on MDS protocols, enhancing understanding of assessment standards.
- Monitored data quality and integrity for timely submission to regulatory agencies.
- Expedited reimbursement processes by submitting accurate MDS reports within established timeframes, reducing potential delays or denials from Medicare/Medicaid programs.
- Reduced errors in MDS coding by providing ongoing staff training and support on regulatory changes and best practices.
- Facilitated comprehensive case conferences to discuss residents'' progress towards achieving their individual goals and adjusting care plans as necessary.
- Demonstrated leadership within the interdisciplinary team by actively participating in care planning meetings and providing guidance on MDS-related matters.
- Improved accuracy of MDS submissions by consistently monitoring and updating electronic medical records in a timely manner.
MDS Coordinator
Bel Oak of Union
Union, MO
06.2022 - 03.2025
- Developed strategies to streamline MDS workflow, improving efficiency in assessment processes.
- Assisted in preparing for audits by maintaining organized records and documentation standards.
- Cultivated positive relationships with external surveyors and regulatory agencies through prompt and professional responses to audit requests, inquiries, or concerns.
- Boosted care plan effectiveness by conducting regular reviews and updates based on changing resident needs and assessment data.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly seeking feedback from peers, team members, and supervisors regarding the effectiveness of MDS processes and potential areas for enhancement.
- Increased efficiency in MDS completion by developing standardized procedures for data collection, entry, analysis, and submission across multiple departments.
- Collaborated with billing departments to ensure proper submission of MDS data for reimbursement purposes, minimizing discrepancies that could lead to financial loss for the facility.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to review care plans and improve resident outcomes.
- Expedited reimbursement processes by submitting accurate MDS reports within established timeframes, reducing potential delays or denials from Medicare/Medicaid programs.
- Reduced errors in MDS coding by providing ongoing staff training and support on regulatory changes and best practices.
- Improved accuracy of MDS submissions by consistently monitoring and updating electronic medical records in a timely manner.
- Facilitated comprehensive case conferences to discuss residents'' progress towards achieving their individual goals and adjusting care plans as necessary.
Progressive Care Nurse
Mercy Jefferson Hospital
Festus, MO
12.2020 - 06.2022
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge instructions, promoting adherence and recovery.
- Evaluated patient conditions through comprehensive assessments, adjusting care strategies as needed.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance patient care standards and clinical outcomes.
- Utilized electronic health records systems for accurate documentation and efficient information retrieval.
- Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients'' wishes were respected and their needs met within the context of their medical treatment plans.
- Skillfully managed multiple high-acuity patients simultaneously while prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments upon admission, establishing baseline data for ongoing evaluation of progress toward established goals.
- Streamlined the process of admission and transfer between units, improving efficiency and reducing delays in patient care delivery.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult healthcare experiences, fostering a supportive environment that promoted healing.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex medical conditions.
Director of Nursing
Maplebrook Assisted Living
Farmington, MO
04.2014 - 12.2020
- Led nursing staff in implementing patient-centered care initiatives, enhancing resident satisfaction and engagement.
- Developed and monitored compliance with nursing protocols, improving quality of care and regulatory adherence.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans tailored to individual resident needs.
- Enhanced staff training programs to elevate clinical skills and ensure best practices in patient care delivery.
- Oversaw budget management for nursing services, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to promote professional growth among nursing staff.
- Established emergency response protocols, ensuring preparedness for critical incidents within the facility.
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Enhanced staff performance by conducting regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate continuity of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
East Central College
Union, MO12-2023
No Degree - Practical Nursing
St. Louis College of Health Careers
Fenton08-2006
Skills
- HIPAA regulations
- Critical thinking
- Patient confidentiality practices
- Documentation accuracy
- Care plan development
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Performance evaluation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Nursing assessment proficiency
- MDS assessment expertise
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Medicare reimbursement knowledge
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Team leadership
- Team building
- Self motivation
- Goal setting
- Audit preparation
- Data collection
- Data monitoring
- Time management abilities
- Compliance monitoring
Accomplishments
- MDS Coordinator with expertise in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement optimization, MDS 3.0 coding, Quality Measures, PDPM, and CMS regulatory compliance. Demonstrated success increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates by 3x, improving CMS Star Ratings (achieving 4-Star and 3-Star facilities), and leading interdisciplinary quality improvement initiatives that enhanced resident outcomes, survey readiness, and reimbursement accuracy. Skilled in clinical documentation improvement, care planning, staff education, and data-driven performance management.
Timeline
MDS Coordinator
Potosi Manor
03.2025 - Current
MDS Coordinator
Bel Oak of Union
06.2022 - 03.2025
Progressive Care Nurse
Mercy Jefferson Hospital
12.2020 - 06.2022
Director of Nursing
Maplebrook Assisted Living
04.2014 - 12.2020
Associate of Science - Nursing
East Central College
No Degree - Practical Nursing
St. Louis College of Health Careers