As 2026 gets underway, it’s a good time to take a fresh look at one of the most practical services available to IHCA nursing facility members: MDS Support.
If your team is juggling staffing gaps, training needs, reimbursement pressure or simply wants a smoother, more consistent MDS process, MDS Support from IHCA Provider Solutions offers two flexible options that help you stay compliant and protect your revenue.
MDS Support is built to help nursing facilities improve accuracy, timeliness and efficiency with MDS submissions — whether you need hands-on help right now or want to strengthen your process long-term.
Option 1: Remote MDS
Best for facilities needing immediate help to stay on track.
With Remote MDS, IHCA’s clinical experts complete MDS assessments remotely, develop care plans aligned with your data and provide guidance on PDPM scoring and Quality Measure improvements (with on-site support available if needed).
What you gain:
- Timely, accurate MDS submissions during staffing shortages
- Stronger compliance and fewer “missed” assessments
- Support that helps protect proper reimbursement
Option 2: MDS + EHR Consulting
Best for facilities that want to improve performance without changing who completes the MDS.
Your team continues completing assessments, while IHCA’s consultant evaluates your workflow and data inside your EHR system — then delivers a customized improvement plan, a virtual IDT review and an on-site follow-up visit.
What you gain:
- A clear, customized plan to increase MDS accuracy and efficiency
- Practical workflow improvements your whole IDT can follow
- Opportunities to improve revenue without disrupting your current process
Ready to improve your MDS process? Learn more and get started here.
For questions, contact IHCA’s Brandon Hagen, SVP, Reimbursement and Policy Advisor, at 800-422-3106.
About Provider Solutions
IHCA Provider Solutions is a suite of services developed to support Iowa long-term care providers in optimizing operations and achieving measurable results.
In addition to MDS Support, our solutions include:
- Enrollment Support – Medicaid enrollment management and a streamlined electronic admissions platform
- IHCA’s Provider Network – Iowa Heath Care Quality Partners, a provider-owned network for managed care contracting and credentialing
- Group Purchasing Benefits – Cost-saving purchasing opportunities
- Endorsed Products – Trusted tools and services recommended by IHCA