Virginia Inter-Rater Reliability (IRR) Program

Tools and Resources

Virginia Medicaid – Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) contracts with Maximus to develop a baseline reliability study on its Universal Assessment Instrument. This study will demonstrate the degree of consistency and reliability of long-term care screenings for children and adults, verifying that the tools and training are effectively and consistently applied for the benefit of individuals across the Commonwealth, regardless of region or screener. This is a study only, and outcomes for individuals will not change. 

The Inter-rater Reliability (IRR) Study seeks to demonstrate the degree of consistency and reliability of long-term care assessments for children and adults, as well as verification that individuals have the same opportunity to obtain services regardless of where they live or when a screen is conducted and ensure that screeners are identifying the most integrated and appropriate settings, minimizing unnecessary institutional placements.

Stay connected to important program updates and helpful program resources. If you aren't currently on the Virginia IRR contact list, please reach out to the Help Desk with your name, title/role and facility name: VAIRR@maximus.com

Contact the help desk
Phone & Email

833.73 VAIRR (833.738.2477)

VAIRR@maximus.com

Business Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST

Announcements

  • Virginia Inter-rater Reliability Study: Screener Leave Behind Reminder | Participation Reminder | Meet Clinical Coordinator, Debbie Farley

    BEST PRACTICE: Please Share the Leave Behind Document After Each Screening to Encourage Participation in the Study
     
    The link for the leave behind document can be found here:
    https://maximusclinicalservices.com/sites/default/files/pasrr/documents/VA-IRR-Original-Screener-Leave-Behind-122021.pdf
     

    REMINDER: We Appreciate Your Participation in the IRR Study Process

    • Screen/Rescreen - Our screeners will be conducting a rescreen within a short time frame after the initial screen.
    • Observational IRR - Includes silently observing a live screen with the initial screener. We will schedule these with screeners.
       

    MEET THE TEAM: Debbie Farley, Clinical Coordinator

    Where do you complete screenings? I complete screenings in the western area of Virginia.      


    Where have you lived before (anywhere else in VA or other states/countries)? I have always lived in southwest Virginia.

    What is your favorite aspect of the work that you do: I enjoy reassessing patients. I love when they come to the door with a smile on their faces. I enjoy spending time with the them and finding out what they really need to make them successful in the home. A lot of times what you see and what you hear are different things. I enjoy being a resource for our those we serve, and traveling to different parts of the state.  

    Fun Fact: I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my granddaughter.


    SUPPORT: IRR Study Help Desk

    Have questions about the IRR study? Contact the IRR Study Help Desk team for more information:

    Email: VAIRR@maximus.com
    Phone: 833.73 VA IRR (833.738.2477)

  • Virginia Inter-rater Reliability Study: Screener Leave Behind Reminder | Participation Reminder | Meet Clinical Coordinator, Caitlin Jacobs

    BEST PRACTICE: Please Share the Leave Behind Document After Each Screening to Encourage Participation in the Study
     
    The link for the leave behind document can be found here:
    https://maximusclinicalservices.com/sites/default/files/pasrr/documents/VA-IRR-Original-Screener-Leave-Behind-122021.pdf
     

    REMINDER: We Appreciate Your Participation in the IRR Study Process

    • Screen/Rescreen - Our screeners will be conducting a rescreen within a short time frame after the initial screen.
    • Observational IRR - Includes silently observing a live screen with the initial screener. We will schedule these with screeners.
       

    MEET THE TEAM: Caitlin Jacobs, Clinical Coordinator

    Where do you live and complete screenings? I live in Henrico, Virginia and complete screenings across the Central Virginia region.

    Background: I grew up in northern Virginia and have lived in the greater Richmond area for the past 7 years.

    What is your favorite part about the work that you do: I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet and get to know new people each week.  

    Fun Fact: I love to cook and experience new cuisines when traveling.
     

    SUPPORT: IRR Study Help Desk

    Have questions about the IRR study? Contact the IRR Study Help Desk team for more information:

    Email: VAIRR@maximus.com
    Phone: 833.73 VA IRR (833.738.2477)

  • Virginia Inter-rater Reliability Study: Screener Leave Behind Reminder | Participation Reminder | Meet Clinical Reviewer, Cate Morrison

    BEST PRACTICE: Please Share the Leave Behind Document After Each Screening to Encourage Participation in the Study
     
    The link for the leave behind document can be found here:
    https://maximusclinicalservices.com/sites/default/files/pasrr/documents/VA-IRR-Original-Screener-Leave-Behind-122021.pdf
     

    REMINDER: We Appreciate Your Participation in the IRR Study Process

    • Screen/Rescreen - Our screeners will be conducting a rescreen within a short time frame after the initial screen.
    • Observational IRR - Includes silently observing a live screen with the initial screener. We will schedule these with screeners.
       

    MEET THE TEAM: Cate Morrison, Clinical Reviewer

    Responsibilities: I complete screenings all over Northern VA.
    .
    Background: I currently live in Southern WV, but between leaving and coming back to my hometown, I’ve also lived in New Orleans, LA and Morgantown, WV.

    What is your favorite part about the work that you do: I enjoy meeting new people almost every day.

    Fun Fact: When I am out traveling for screenings, I always try to find a new local shop or restaurant to stop in. I have experienced a lot of neat things in Virginia this way!
     

    SUPPORT: IRR Study Help Desk

    Have questions about the IRR study? Contact the IRR Study Help Desk team for more information:

    Email: VAIRR@maximus.com
    Phone: 833.73 VA IRR (833.738.2477)

Resources

Education & Training