Manual vs AI-Assisted MDS Assessment
Which approach is right for your skilled nursing facility?
The MDS Assessment Challenge
MDS assessments are essential for accurate PDPM reimbursement, but they're also one of the most time-consuming tasks in skilled nursing. MDS Coordinators spend hours reviewing clinical documentation, coding Section G/GG functional scores, identifying NTA conditions, and ensuring audit readiness.
The question isn't whether to do MDS assessments. It's how to do them efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Manual Assessment | AI-Assisted (MDS Genie™) |
|---|---|---|
| Time per Assessment | 4-6 hours | 1.5-2 hours (60% faster) |
| AI Processing Time | N/A | ~2 minutes |
| Source Citations | Manual documentation | Automatic, audit-ready |
| PDPM Optimization | Depends on coordinator experience | Systematic NTA capture |
| Consistency | Varies by coordinator | Standardized process |
| Learning Curve | Familiar workflow | Minimal (works with existing tools) |
| IT Requirements | None | None (no EHR integration) |
| Cost | Staff time only | Subscription + reduced staff time |
The Verdict
AI-assisted MDS assessment doesn't replace clinical judgment. It accelerates the documentation review process, ensures consistent NTA capture, and provides audit-ready source citations. For facilities doing 10+ assessments per month, the time savings compound quickly.
When Manual Makes Sense
- Very low assessment volume (fewer than 5 per month)
- Highly specialized patient populations with unusual documentation
- Budget constraints that prevent any software investment
When AI-Assisted Makes Sense
- 10+ assessments per month
- MDS Coordinator time is a bottleneck
- Concerns about missed NTA conditions affecting reimbursement
- Need for consistent, audit-ready documentation
- Want to free up clinical staff for higher-value activities
ROI Example
A 100-bed facility doing 12 assessments per month:
- Time saved: 36 hours/month (3 hours × 12 assessments)
- At $35/hour: $1,260/month in staff time
- PDPM uplift potential: Even a 2% improvement in NTA capture across 12 patients can add thousands per month
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