Patient Assessment Coordinator | Houston Heights Rehab

Patient Assessment Coordinator

RT, LVN/LPN, OT, PT, SLP, PTA or RN (CRRN preferred)

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Using discretion and independent judgment, the Patient Assessment Coordinator coordinates the process of providing accurate and timely data to the appropriate entities involved in the Prospective Payment System and quality reporting program for Medicare patients. This position oversees all aspects of data collection on the IRF/PAI, ensures the presence of supporting documentation, and provides staff education to ensure compliance with CMS guidelines. The Coordinator assumes the task of reviewing each IRF/PAI form completely, accurately, and timely. He or she also monitors the accuracy in the scoring of the functional status and reflection of the patient’s care needs and inputs appropriate information for the prescribed IRF/PAI into the eRehabData system. This role is also responsible for coordinating the collection of patient information from the patient medical record and the completion of assigned sections of the IRF/PAI form. Additional responsibilities include: setting prescribed IRF/PAI completion dates for the multi-disciplinary team; acting as the primary resource for immediate problem-solving in regards to Medicare’s IRF prospective payment system (GG/H scoring, impairment group coding, tiering distribution); coverage and classification criteria; and quality reporting program requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Responsibilities 

• Thoroughly researches clinical documentation for evidence of co-morbid conditions. Verifies accuracy of coding under direction of the attending Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician.
• Responsible for staff education to improve FIM scoring process, documentation and accuracy.
• Reviews clinical documentation and makes recommendations to clinical supervisors in areas needing improvement to support and validate compliance with rehab coverage and classification criteria.
• Oversees, completes, and ensures the accuracy and the completion of the IRF/PAI prior to electronic transmission.
• Serves as an information source and educator to IRF/PAI users.
• Collaborates with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to ensure accurate clinical assessment with supporting documentation to accurately report medical and functional status of patients.
• Maintains current knowledge of IRF/PAI software and provides expertise on this software within the inpatient setting.
• Provides ongoing education to the staff of the hospital to ensure accurate and timely completion of the IRF/PAI.
• Maintains updated and ongoing knowledge of the regulations concerning the IRF/PAI and its completion within the inpatient setting.
• Verifies appropriate CMG designation through chart review, staff interview, collaboration with physicians and coders.
• Coordinates the completion of the admission assessment of the PAI by the fourth (4th) day of the patient’s stay and the fifth (5th) day following discharge for each inpatient stay. May require discussions/interactions with various staff members concerning differences in reported functional status to complete the PAI.
• Transmits the IRF/PAI to CMS within the required timeframe.
• Ensures that the IRF/PAI reflects the functional status and 24-hour care needs of the patient.
• Ensures accuracy of data on the IRF/PAI to correctly reflect the quality reporting program requirements.
• Periodically audits the IRF/PAI, clinical documentation, and billing information to ensure accuracy and consistency of documentation.
• Assists the Clinical Director in identifying and monitoring trends in patient care as identified through the PAI.
• Works closely and collaboratively with all members of the clinical and coding team to ensure compliance at all levels.
• Demonstrates effective critical thinking skills. 

Professional Requirements

• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal, Joint Commission, and hospital compliance plans.
• Maintains cooperative working relationship and good rapport with medical staff, hospital departments and staff, and other organizations or entities related to hospital business.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the organization at all levels of the organization.
• Clearly and effectively communicates with all constituents (patients, families, peers, and other healthcare team members) as needed for leadership, assessment, intervention, and professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Licenses/Certifications: Graduate of an accredited RT, LVN