What Is Mds for Healthcare?

MDS (minimal data set) is a standard assessment tool required for long-term care facilities to assess each patient. This standard assessment is regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Requirements

• Long-term care patient facilities, such as nursing homes, must be certified and use the MDS system to receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits. MDS data is filed electronically to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

MDS Data

• MDS data consists of the assessment of each patient's physical, psychological and social functioning, to ensure proper evaluation and care. Assessments are required when each patient is first admitted, then done quarterly and yearly. If a patient's status changes significantly, an additional assessment is done at that time.

Compliance

• Although MDS is used for facilities who are certified to receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits, all patients within the facility are required to receive these assessments. This includes patients who use other forms of insurance or other payment methods for their care at the facility.