FIM
Medical abbreviation · Rehabilitation
| Stands for | Functional Independence Measure |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
FIM stands for Functional Independence Measure, a rehabilitation abbreviation.
Eighteen-item scale rating independence in self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication and social cognition, each scored from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence), for totals of 18 to 126.
Example: Admission FIM 52, discharge FIM 89; gain of 37 points.
Usage notes
Developed in the 1980s for the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. Medicare removed FIM items from the IRF-PAI in October 2019, replacing them with standardized Section GG self-care and mobility items, though many programs still use FIM internally. Assist levels such as Min A and Mod A come from its scoring tradition.
Related abbreviations
More rehabilitation abbreviations
- DME – Durable medical equipment
- EOB – Edge of bed
- FEES – Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing
- FES – Functional electrical stimulation
- FFWB – Foot-flat weight bearing
- FGA – Functional Gait Assessment
- FROM – Full range of motion
- FWB – Full weight bearing
- FWW – Front-wheeled walker
- HEP – Home exercise program
- HTL – Honey-thick liquids
- IADL – Instrumental activities of daily living
See all 98 rehabilitation abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.