Top 11 Mds Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a Medical Documentation Specialist (MDS) Coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. Certifications can also help MDS Coordinators stand out from other candidates and give them an edge in the competitive job market. Certification programs provide formal recognition of an individual's expertise and commitment to professional development, which employers view as an important asset. Additionally, certifications provide access to resources such as continuing education courses, conferences, and networking opportunities that can help MDS Coordinators stay abreast of industry changes and trends.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for MDS Coordinators and explains how they can help advance a MDS Coordinator's career.

What are Mds Coordinator Certifications?

MDS Coordinator Certification is a certification program designed to help long-term care professionals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate the care of residents in skilled nursing facilities. The certification program focuses on the MDS (Minimum Data Set) assessment process, which is used to assess the physical and functional needs of each resident so that appropriate services can be provided. Through this certification, participants will learn about the regulations and requirements for conducting an accurate MDS assessment, as well as the tools and techniques necessary to complete the assessment accurately. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of how to use data from the MDS assessment to develop quality plans of care for each resident.

By obtaining this certification, long-term care professionals can demonstrate their expertise in coordinating resident care using MDS assessments. This certification also provides a competitive edge when seeking positions within long-term care facilities, as employers are increasingly looking for employees who have specialized knowledge in this area. Moreover, having this credential can lead to increased job satisfaction and recognition from peers and supervisors. Ultimately, obtaining this credential can help ensure that residents receive high quality care in a timely manner while also providing opportunities for career advancement in the field of long-term care.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for MDs Coordinator Certification before beginning your certification process. It is important to be aware of the various requirements needed to become certified and ensure that you are meeting all of them in order to successfully complete the certification process.

Related: What does a Mds Coordinator do?

Top 11 Mds Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Mds Coordinators today.

1. Certified Medical Staff Coordinator (CMSC)

Certified Medical Staff Coordinator (CMSC) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS). The program is designed to provide Medical Staff Coordinators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the medical staff services department. The certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years.

The CMSC program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as credentialing, privileging, regulatory requirements, and medical staff development. After completing the online course, applicants must pass a comprehensive multiple-choice exam that covers all aspects of medical staff services.

To obtain the CMSC certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in medical staff services or healthcare management within the past five years. In addition, they must complete an application form and submit it along with a fee of $375 USD to NAMSS. Once their application has been approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and will be given a date to take it.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Medical Staff Coordinator (CMSC) certification is $375 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the exam.

2. Certified Professional Medical Staff Coordinator (CPMSC)

Certified Professional Medical Staff Coordinator (CPMSC) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for the management and coordination of medical staff services in healthcare organizations. The CPMSC credential is offered by the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS).

The CPMSC certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in medical staff services, or two years of full-time experience plus a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAMSS. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical staff organization and structure, credentialing, privileging, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.

It typically takes about six months to complete all the requirements for the CPMSC certification. To get started, applicants must first submit a completed application form and fee to NAMSS. Once approved, applicants will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit verification of their experience and education credentials before they can receive their certificate from NAMSS.

The cost for the CPMSC certification program varies depending on whether you are an individual or group applicant; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

3. Certified Credentialing Specialist (CCS)

Certified Credentialing Specialist (CCS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Credentialing Specialists (NACS). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of credentialing and verification.

The CCS program requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as credentialing principles, policies and procedures, credentialing processes and systems, data analysis and reporting, and customer service. The exam is administered by NACS at its testing centers across the United States.

The CCS program takes approximately six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application to NACS for review. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive study materials and be assigned a mentor who will provide guidance throughout the process. After completing all requirements, applicants will take the final exam at one of NACS’s testing centers.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Credentialing Specialist certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NACS. For non-members, the cost is $1,200; for members it is $800. This fee includes access to study materials, mentorship from an experienced credentialing specialist, and registration for the final exam.

4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification for healthcare quality professionals. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), and is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in healthcare quality management.

To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of experience in healthcare quality management or related areas. You must also pass an exam administered by NAHQ. The CPHQ exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and covers topics such as quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, data analysis and reporting, and organizational leadership.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CPHQ exam. During this time, you should review the CPHQ Candidate Handbook and study materials provided by NAHQ. Additionally, there are several prep courses available from third-party providers that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CPHQ exam is $395 for NAHQ members and $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to the online application form, practice exams, study materials, and one attempt at taking the actual exam.

Once you have passed the CPHQ exam, you will be awarded your certification and receive your certificate directly from NAHQ. The certification must be renewed every three years through continuing education activities or re-examination with NAHQ.

5. Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPPM)

Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPPM) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional accomplishments of medical practice managers. The certification is offered through the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). The CMPPM credential is intended to demonstrate that a medical practice manager has achieved a high level of competence and skill in managing the business aspects of a patient care facility.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the CMPPM exam, depending on an individual’s experience and familiarity with medical practice management. To be eligible for the CMPPM exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a healthcare setting or have completed an approved course in medical practice management.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as finance, human resources, operations, information technology, risk management, compliance, and quality assurance. It costs $395 to take the exam. Successful completion of the exam results in earning the CMPPM credential.

6. Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)

Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) is a professional certification program that provides healthcare access professionals with the skills and knowledge to manage the financial, operational, and regulatory aspects of patient access services. The CHAM certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

The CHAM certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient registration, insurance verification, customer service, medical coding and billing, data analysis, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CHAM, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by NAHAM. These include having at least two years of experience in a healthcare access setting and completing an approved training program or coursework related to healthcare access management. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the CHAM certification examination.

The cost for the CHAM certification exam is $425 for members of NAHAM and $525 for non-members. The fee covers all materials needed to take the exam including study guides and practice tests. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $125 per year to maintain your certification status.

7. Certified Ambulatory Care Manager (CACM)

A Certified Ambulatory Care Manager (CACM) is a professional who specializes in the management of ambulatory care services. Ambulatory care services are those that are provided on an outpatient basis, such as doctor's office visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments. CACMs are responsible for coordinating and managing the delivery of these services to ensure that patients receive quality care in a timely manner.

The CACM certification is offered by the American Association of Managed Care Nurses (AAMCN). It requires completion of a comprehensive exam and requires at least two years of experience in ambulatory care management. The exam covers topics such as patient assessment, health promotion, case management, and reimbursement issues.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CACM exam. During this time, candidates should review study materials and take practice exams to become familiar with the content areas covered on the exam. Candidates should also attend relevant seminars or workshops to gain additional knowledge about ambulatory care management.

The cost for taking the CACM exam is $300 for AAMCN members and $400 for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as the administration fee for taking the actual exam.

8. Certified Healthcare Leadership and Management Professional (CHLMP)

Certified Healthcare Leadership and Management Professional (CHLMP) is a certification program offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The CHLMP is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have achieved excellence in healthcare leadership and management.

The CHLMP requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of finance, operations, marketing, human resources, information technology, legal/regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to professional development and ethical behavior.

The CHLMP process typically takes about six months to complete. To get the certification, applicants must first submit an application with supporting documentation that demonstrates their qualifications for the program. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online exam that covers topics such as healthcare leadership and management principles, financial management practices, legal/regulatory compliance issues, operations management strategies, and strategic planning processes.

The cost of the CHLMP certification program varies depending on whether you are a member of ACHE or not. For non-members, the cost is $1125 plus applicable taxes; for members of ACHE it is $875 plus applicable taxes.

9. Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)

Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a physician practice. The CPPM credential is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in physician practice management or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding, billing, reimbursement, financial management, human resources management, operations management, and compliance.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. It can be taken at any one of AAPC's testing centers around the world.

The cost for the CPPM certification program is $499 USD for members of AAPC and $699 USD for non-members. The fee includes the exam fee as well as study materials and access to online practice exams.

10. American Academy of Professional Coders – CPC or CCA-P

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that certifies medical coders and billers. The AAPC offers two primary certifications for medical coding professionals: the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the Certified Coding Associate-Physician (CCA-P).

The CPC certification is the most widely recognized credential in the healthcare industry and is required for many coding positions. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in medical coding, billing, auditing, and compliance. To qualify for this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, HCPCS Level II codes, CPT codes, Medicare rules and regulations, and more. The exam typically takes 4-5 hours to complete.

The CCA-P certification is specifically designed for coders who work with physician practices. This certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as diagnosis coding using ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, procedure coding using CPT codes, E&M guidelines for evaluation and management services, modifiers used in physician billing, and more. The exam typically takes 3 hours to complete.

To get either of these certifications from the AAPC you must first become a member of their organization by paying a one time fee of $175 USD. After becoming a member you can register to take either the CPC or CCA-P exams which cost $399 USD each. Once you have passed your chosen exam(s), you will receive your official certificate from the AAPC confirming your credentials as a Certified Professional Coder or Certified Coding Associate - Physician.

11. American Health Information Management Association – RHIA or RHIT

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization that provides certification for healthcare information management professionals. The two most popular certifications offered by AHIMA are the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The RHIA certification is designed for individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of health information management principles, regulations, and technology. This certification requires applicants to have at least an associate degree in health information technology or a related field. It also requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, healthcare delivery systems, and data analysis.

The RHIT certification is designed for individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of health information management principles and technologies. This certification requires applicants to have at least a post-secondary certificate in health information technology or a related field. It also requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, healthcare delivery systems, and data analysis.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for either the RHIA or RHIT exam. Preparation can include taking classes or studying on your own using books or online resources. It is important to note that AHIMA does not provide any study materials for either exam; however there are many third-party vendors who offer study materials specifically tailored towards these exams.

To get certified as either an RHIA or RHIT you must first apply for the appropriate examination through AHIMA’s website. Once your application has been approved you will be able to schedule your exam date and location through Prometric Testing Centers which are located throughout the United States and Canada. The cost of each exam varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in person but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Mds Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need a MDS Coordinator Certificate in order to work as a MDS Coordinator. The role of the MDS Coordinator is to ensure that accurate and timely resident assessments are completed for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. A MDS Coordinator may be required to have certain credentials or experience in the field of health care administration, but a certification is not necessary.

In many cases, employers prefer that applicants have some type of certification or training related to the job they are applying for. This can include a certificate from an accredited institution such as the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (AANAC). Even if this isn't required, having this kind of certification can be beneficial when applying for jobs or when seeking advancement within the organization.

Having a MDS Coordinator Certificate could also help demonstrate an applicant's knowledge and understanding of the regulations surrounding resident assessment documentation and coding. It could also provide evidence that the applicant has taken additional steps to specialize in their chosen field by taking extra courses or attending conferences related to the job.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a MDS Coordinator Certificate depends on your individual situation and what type of employer you are applying for. However, it is always beneficial to take extra steps towards advancing your career by obtaining additional certifications or qualifications related to your chosen profession.

Related: Mds Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Mds Coordinator Certifications

1. What is an MDS Coordinator Certification?

Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinators are responsible for the accurate and timely completion of Minimum Data Set assessments in long-term care facilities. The certification validates a professional’s knowledge and experience with the Medicare/Medicaid resident assessment process, as well as related quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement issues.

2. How do I become an MDS Coordinator?

To become an MDS Coordinator, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved training specific to the role of an MDS Coordinator. Additionally, you may need to be certified by your state's board of nursing or through the National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (NADONA).

3. What is included in the MDS Coordinator Certification exam?

The exam covers topics such as: principles of assessment; regulatory requirements; coding; quality assurance; resident rights; data collection systems; clinical documentation; data accuracy and timeliness; and reimbursement processes.

4. How often do I need to renew my MDS Coordinator Certification?

Your certification must be renewed every two years by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education activities related to the role of an MDS Coordinator during that time period.

5. Are there any online programs that offer MDS Coordinator Certification?

Yes! There are several online programs available to help individuals prepare for MDS coordinator certification exams, including those offered through organizations like NADONA, NAHC University, and McKesson Education Services.