Relationships in healthcare are vital to the success of quality patient care.  Without strong working relationships, systems will break down and the ones who ultimately suffer are the resident. 

MDS Coordinators are valuable to skilled nursing facilities and their input is instrumental to improve clinical decision making ultimately impacting quality of care.  The relationship the MDS Coordinator has within the facility is extremely integrated with other members of the disciplinary team and those relationships will impact the MDS Coordinator’s influence to improve quality of care.

The Therapy Manager has the key role of effectively coordinating within the interdisciplinary team to manage and assure resident therapy needs are met and simultaneously function within the confinements of the MDS and PPS systems.   In order to effectively coordinate care and manage the MDS and PPS systems, the Therapy Manager must create, preserve, and grow their relationship with the interdisciplinary team, but with an emphasis on the MDS Coordinator partnership.

Often you may hear MDS Coordinators or Therapy Managers say that they are married to each other.  I know!  That’s funny, isn’t it?  But they don’t mean that in the literal sense of course.  They are referring to their relationship.  They trust each other. They exhibit open and unguarded, uncondemning communication. They work together on solving problems and troubleshooting potential problems. And, they celebrate success together.  They support and build each other up because there is strength in numbers and opportunities to grow and learn from each other.

We Value our Relationships and we strive to strengthen our Relationships.  Why? Because we value loyal, mutual, long-lasting relationships with customers, patients, and each other!

What are your Relationships like in your facility?

Gina Tomcsik

Director of Compliance