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Minimum Data Set (MDS)

Description

The Long Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a standardized, primary screening and assessment tool of health status which forms the foundation of the comprehensive assessment for all residents of long-term care facilities certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. The MDS contains items that measure physical, psychological and psycho-social functioning. The items in the MDS give a multidimensional view of the patient's functional capacities, and can be used to present a nursing home's profile. The MDS now plays a key role in the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement system and in monitoring the quality of care provided to nursing facility residents.

Supplier(s)

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Data Years Available

1999-present

Periodicity

Annual

Response rate and sample size

MDS data is collected on ALL residents of long-term care facilities certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. In other words, all residents are given MDS assessments regardless of payer type.

References

http://www.resdac.org/MDS/data_available.asp. Accessed August 28, 2010.