60-Day New Coordinator Onboarding

Structured onboarding plan to achieve full IRF-PAI coordinator competency in 60 days

Your Onboarding Progress
Track your completion through all three phases
Overall Progress0/30 tasks completed (0%)
1

Foundation & Orientation

Days 1-20

0/10 tasks

2

Hands-On Practice & Skill Building

Days 21-40

0/10 tasks

3

Independence & Certification

Days 41-60

0/10 tasks

Days 1-20
Phase 1: Foundation & Orientation
Build foundational knowledge of IRF-PAI basics, regulations, and facility workflows

0/10

completed

Phase Goals

  • Understand IRF-PAI purpose and CMS requirements
  • Learn facility-specific workflows and systems
  • Complete basic tier coding and FIM scoring training
  • Shadow experienced coordinator
Task 1

Complete IRF-PAI Overview Module

Learn what IRF-PAI is, why it matters, and CMS requirements

Resources: /overview, IRF-PAI Overview training module
Task 2

Review 60% Rule and Qualifying Diagnoses

Understand the 13 qualifying conditions and compliance monitoring

Resources: /overview, 60% Rule documentation
Task 3

Complete Tier Coding Fundamentals

Learn Tier 1, 2, 3 criteria and comorbidity coding rules

Resources: /tier-coding-guide, /tier-matching-tutorial
Task 4

Complete FIM Scoring Training

Master the 7-level FIM scale for motor and cognitive items

Resources: /fim-scoring-tutorial, FIM Scoring Training module
Task 5

Shadow Experienced Coordinator (Week 1)

Observe admission assessments, documentation review, and IRF-PAI completion

Resources: Schedule with current coordinator
Task 6

Learn Facility EMR System

Get credentials and training on electronic medical record system

Resources: IT Department, EMR training materials
Task 7

Review Daily Workflow Process

Understand morning tasks, assessment timelines, and submission deadlines

Resources: /daily-workflow, Daily Workflow module
Task 8

Complete ICD-10 Coding Basics

Learn ICD-10 code structure, specificity requirements, and lookup tools

Resources: /icd10-lookup, ICD-10 Lookup Tool
Task 9

Study Documentation Requirements

Learn what physicians, nurses, and therapists must document

Resources: /documentation-tutorial, Documentation Best Practices
Task 10

Review Physician Query Process

Learn when and how to query physicians for missing or unclear documentation

Resources: /physician-query-library, Physician Query Guide
Days 21-40
Phase 2: Hands-On Practice & Skill Building
Apply knowledge through supervised practice, case studies, and real patient assessments

0/10

completed

Phase Goals

  • Complete supervised IRF-PAI assessments
  • Practice tier coding and FIM scoring with feedback
  • Learn audit prevention strategies
  • Develop clinical coaching skills
Task 1

Complete 5 Practice Case Studies

Work through complex patient scenarios with tier and FIM coding

Resources: /case-studies, /tier-scenarios
Task 2

Shadow Coordinator (Week 3-4)

Continue observation with focus on complex cases and problem-solving

Resources: Schedule with coordinator
Task 3

Complete First Supervised IRF-PAI

Complete full IRF-PAI assessment with coordinator review and feedback

Resources: Coordinator supervision
Task 4

Complete 3 More Supervised Assessments

Build confidence with increasing independence and decreasing supervision

Resources: Coordinator supervision
Task 5

Learn Audit Prevention Strategies

Understand MAC audit triggers and how to prevent them

Resources: /mock-audit-simulator, Mock Audit Simulator
Task 6

Complete Mock Audit Scenarios

Practice responding to audit findings and documentation challenges

Resources: /mock-audit-simulator
Task 7

Study Tier Diagnosis Library

Familiarize yourself with all Tier 1, 2, 3 diagnoses by body system

Resources: /tier-diagnosis-library
Task 8

Practice Physician Query Writing

Write 5 practice queries for common documentation gaps

Resources: /physician-query-library
Task 9

Learn Clinical Coaching Techniques

Prepare to train nurses and therapists on documentation requirements

Resources: /clinical-coaching-hub
Task 10

Attend Interdisciplinary Team Conference

Participate in team meetings to understand clinical decision-making

Resources: Schedule with team
Days 41-60
Phase 3: Independence & Certification
Demonstrate independent competency, pass certification exam, and prepare for full coordinator role

0/10

completed

Phase Goals

  • Complete IRF-PAI assessments independently
  • Pass certification exam with 80%+
  • Conduct staff training session
  • Demonstrate audit-ready documentation practices
Task 1

Complete 10 Independent IRF-PAI Assessments

Perform full assessments independently with spot-check review only

Resources: Independent work with spot checks
Task 2

Conduct Internal Audit on Own Work

Review 5 of your completed IRF-PAIs for accuracy and completeness

Resources: Internal audit checklist
Task 3

Lead Nursing Staff Documentation Training

Present 30-minute training on comorbidity documentation requirements

Resources: /clinical-coaching-hub, Training materials
Task 4

Lead Therapy Staff Documentation Training

Present 30-minute training on FIM scoring and clinical impact documentation

Resources: /fim-scoring-tutorial, Training materials
Task 5

Complete Certification Exam

Pass 50-question comprehensive exam with 80% or higher

Resources: /certification-exam
Task 6

Review MAC Audit Toolkit

Prepare audit response materials and understand audit process

Resources: MAC Audit Toolkit
Task 7

Master Tier Assignment Worksheet

Use worksheet efficiently for complex tier coding decisions

Resources: /tier-worksheet
Task 8

Practice 60% Rule Monitoring

Calculate facility compliance and understand admission planning

Resources: 60% Rule tracking tools
Task 9

Final Competency Assessment

Complete competency checklist with supervisor sign-off

Resources: Supervisor evaluation
Task 10

Transition to Full Coordinator Role

Assume full responsibilities with ongoing mentorship available

Resources: Ongoing support from experienced coordinator
Onboarding Success Tips
  • Ask questions: Your mentor and experienced coordinators are here to help. No question is too small.
  • Practice daily: Complete at least 2-3 checklist items per day to stay on track for 60-day completion.
  • Document your learning: Keep notes on challenging cases and lessons learned for future reference.
  • Build relationships: Connect with physicians, nurses, and therapists early to establish collaborative working relationships.
  • Review regularly: Revisit training modules and reference materials as you encounter real-world scenarios.