OASIS BIMS: When to Continue, When to Stop, and How to Code Responses

When should clinicians continue the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), and when should they stop? In this Coding Corner episode, Kiersten Bybee, Molly Bladen, and Tina Bursey discuss how to assess and code the patient’s actual interview responses. They explain what makes an interview complete, the differences between incorrect answers, nonsensical responses, and refusals, and when to use zero, a dash, or 99. The conversation also explores how BIMS differs from C1310 and why observation, caregiver input, and supporting documentation play different roles across the OASIS cognitive assessment. Watch for practical examples to help your team understand the distinctions and support accurate OASIS responses.