Physiotherapy

Functional Independence Measure (FIM™ Instrument)

Evaluates motor and cognitive functional disability burden in medical rehabilitation (18-126 points).

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Parameters

Self-Care: Eating*

Self-Care: Grooming (teeth, hair, face, shaving)*

Self-Care: Bathing body from neck down*

Self-Care: Dressing upper body*

Self-Care: Dressing lower body (including shoes/socks)*

Self-Care: Toileting hygiene & clothing adjustment*

Sphincter: Bladder management / continence*

Sphincter: Bowel management / continence*

Transfers: Bed, chair, wheelchair*

Transfers: Toilet / commode*

Transfers: Tub or shower stall*

Locomotion: Walking or wheelchair propulsion (150 ft)*

Locomotion: Climbing 12 to 14 stairs*

Cognitive: Comprehension (auditory/visual communication)*

Cognitive: Expression (verbal/non-verbal communication)*

Cognitive: Social interaction with others*

Cognitive: Problem solving (complex ADL situations)*

Cognitive: Memory (daily routines & new learning)*

Functional Independence Measure (FIM™ Instrument) Result

FormulaTotal FIM Score (18-126) = Motor Subscale (13 items × 1-7) + Cognitive Subscale (5 items × 1-7)

Clinical Pearls

Universally used across stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and orthopedic trauma units to benchmark clinical gain and justify insurance reimbursement.

Limitations

Proprietary training certification is required for formal UDSMR reporting; GG functional status codes have partially supplemented FIM in US Medicare IRF-PAI settings.