What is the Minimum Data Set (MDS) used for?

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is primarily used in the context of skilled nursing facilities as a comprehensive assessment tool that collects information about the patient's clinical status, functional capabilities, and resource utilization needs. The correct answer highlights its role in determining Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs), which are critical for classifying patients based on their care needs and determining the reimbursement rates that nursing homes receive from Medicare and Medicaid.

The MDS assessment is a standardized tool that helps ensure consistent evaluation of patients in nursing homes, which is essential for equitable resource allocation. It allows facilities to characterize the level of care required by each resident, facilitating appropriate funding and care delivery.

Other options refer to different aspects of healthcare but do not relate to the specific functions of the MDS. Clinical assessments in private practices may involve various tools but are not standardized across all practices like the MDS. Surveys of patient satisfaction are essential for assessing the quality of care but are separate from the MDS framework. Similarly, billing codes for outpatient services are related to different coding systems like ICD-10 or CPT, not the MDS. Hence, the focus of the MDS on determining Resource Utilization Groups is what makes the second choice the correct option.