BIMS Calculator

0=none of 3 words recalled; 3=all 3 words recalled immediately.
How many of the 3 words from repetition does the resident recall now?
Health

Calculate the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score to screen for cognitive impairment in nursing home residents.

Formula

BIMS = repetition (0-3) + temporal orientation (0-4) + recall (0-3) = max 15
  • 13–15: Cognitively intact. 8–12: Moderately impaired. 0–7: Severely impaired.
  • Part of the MDS 3.0 (Minimum Data Set) for long-term care facilities.
  • Used by CMS to assess residents under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

Intact resident

Inputs
  • Word Repetition (0-3): 3
  • Year recalled correctly?: 2
  • Month recalled correctly?: 1
  • Day of week correct?: 1
  • Word Recall (0-3): 3

3+2+1+1+3 = 10 → Moderately impaired.

Frequently asked questions

What is BIMS?
The Brief Interview for Mental Status — a standardized cognitive screening tool used in long-term care.
What is a passing BIMS score?
Scores of 13–15 indicate cognitive intactness.
Who administers BIMS?
Trained nursing home staff as part of the MDS (Minimum Data Set) quarterly assessment.
Is BIMS the same as MMSE?
No — BIMS is shorter and designed for nursing home settings. MMSE is a broader 30-point cognitive test.