CMS Shares MDS Guidance Resources (SNF)

A three-minute video, “BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview” from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help SNFs accurately determine when the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) should be stopped and how to code the remaining items in this situation.

In addition, CMS is offering cue cards to assist providers in conducting the Brief Interview for Mental Status in writing, the Resident Mood Interview (PHQ-2 to 9), the Pain Assessment Interview, and the Interview for Daily and Activity Preferences, as referenced in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 coding guidance. These resources are intended to be supplemental communication tools that provide a visual reference for residents. Providers can find more detailed instructions regarding the use of cue cards and the administration of the BIMS in writing in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Manual. The cue cards are available in the Downloads section at the bottom of the SNF QRP Training page for viewing and printing.