1. What is the BIMS Score?

The Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) is a screening tool used to assess cognitive impairment in older adults. It is commonly used in Medicare settings to evaluate memory, temporal orientation, and executive function.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BIMS scoring formula:

Where:

• Response 1 — Temporal orientation assessment (0-3 points)
• Response 2 — Memory recall assessment (0-2 points)
• Response 3 — Executive function assessment (0-2 points)

Explanation: The BIMS score ranges from 0-7 points, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.

3. Importance of BIMS Score Calculation

Details: Accurate BIMS scoring is crucial for identifying cognitive impairment in elderly patients, guiding appropriate interventions, and meeting Medicare documentation requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the appropriate point values for each response based on the patient's performance during the BIMS assessment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum BIMS score?
A: The maximum BIMS score is 7 points, indicating intact cognitive function.

Q2: What score indicates cognitive impairment?
A: Scores of 7-8 indicate intact cognition, 5-6 suggest moderate impairment, and 0-4 indicate severe cognitive impairment.

Q3: How often should BIMS be administered?
A: BIMS should be administered at admission, annually, and whenever a change in cognitive status is suspected.

Q4: Who should administer the BIMS?
A: Trained healthcare professionals should administer the BIMS following standardized protocols.

Q5: Is BIMS covered by Medicare?
A: Yes, BIMS assessment is a covered service under Medicare when medically necessary and properly documented.