MDS Auditing: Why ARD Dates and Clinical Documentation Review Matter

Ever wonder if your facility is leaving money on the table? Recently, we worked with a 50-bed skilled nursing facility that was doing "everything right" – or so they thought. Our detailed MDS audit uncovered $8,000 in missed revenue opportunities. The culprits? Two seemingly simple issues: ARD date selection and uncaptured respiratory services.

The Story Behind the Numbers

Let's be honest – MDS coordination is complex. When we first met with this facility's team, they were following all the standard protocols. Their documentation was there. Their respiratory services were being delivered. Yet something wasn't adding up.

Here's what we found:

The ARD Date Dilemma

Think of ARD dates as the frame of a picture – choose the wrong frame, and you might cut off important details. This facility was missing crucial therapy minutes simply because of ARD date placement. It's a common issue we see, but one with significant financial impact.

The Hidden Respiratory Services

Here's where it gets interesting: The facility provided respiratory services and documented them well. The problem? These services weren't making it onto the MDS assessment. It's like having money in your pocket but not being able to spend it.

Breaking Down the PDPM Impact

Let's get technical for a moment (because we know our MDS coordinators love the details):

The SLP Component Story:

- Where they were: CG classification

- Where they could be: CD classification

- Daily difference: $15.50 per resident

- Why? Missed cognitive impairment documentation and respiratory status coding

The Nursing Component Reality:

- Started at: CL1

- Could have been: ES3

- Daily difference: $102.47 per resident

- The missing piece? Properly captured respiratory therapy services

The Education Solution

Here's where the real transformation happened. Rather than just pointing out the issues, we implemented a comprehensive training program. Because let's face it – sustainable change comes from understanding, not just following directions.

Our approach focused on three key areas:

1. Strategic ARD Planning

Think of it as a chess game – every move (or date) matters. We taught the team how to:

- Plan assessment schedules strategically

- Optimize look-back periods

- Coordinate with therapy for maximum capture

2. Documentation Integration

We made it practical:

- Created clear respiratory therapy documentation guidelines

- Implemented ICD-10 coding tips for respiratory conditions

- Developed a system for linking supporting documentation

3. PDPM Component Understanding

Knowledge is power. We helped the team understand:

- How SLP comorbidities affect reimbursement

- What drives nursing category qualifications

- Ways to optimize NTA points

The Results: Beyond the Numbers

The immediate financial impact was clear – $8,000 identified in missed revenue. But the real success story? The sustainable changes we implemented are now generating an additional $2,400 monthly. That's $28,800 annually for a 50-bed facility!

Why This Matters for Your Facility

You might be thinking, "But we have our MDS process down." So did this facility. The reality is, MDS auditing isn't about finding what you're doing wrong – it's about uncovering opportunities you might not know exist.

Consider this:

- Are your ARD dates truly strategic, or just convenient?

- How confident are you in your respiratory service capture?

- When was the last time you had an outside expert review your process?

Take the Next Step

Every facility is unique, and cookie-cutter solutions don't work in our industry. That's why we offer a free, personalized Utilization Review. We'll look at your specific processes, your unique challenges, and your facility's potential opportunities.

Ready to uncover your facility's hidden revenue potential? Let's talk.

Contact SMK Medical today:

- 📞 313-314-8267

- 🌐 www.SMKMed.com

Remember: In the world of MDS, what you don't know can cost you. But more importantly, what you learn can transform your facility's financial health.