Which statement correctly describes summing data elements in MDM?

Which statement correctly describes summing data elements in MDM?

• A. You must include at least one element from every category.
• B. A combination can sum elements without representing every item type; e.g., independent historian plus note reviewed plus unique test equals three elements.
• C. Data elements can only be summed within the same category.
• D. You cannot sum a note reviewed with an independent historian.

Answer: (B)

In MDM, you count data elements by summing distinct pieces of information you access or review, and you’re allowed to combine elements from different types. You don’t have to include every category to reach a total. For example, counting an independent historian, a note reviewed, and a unique test as three elements shows you can mix different item types to reach the total. Each of those represents a separate piece of data used in the decision, so they sum to three. This approach means you don’t need an element from every category, you can sum across categories, and a note reviewed can be counted alongside an independent historian. That’s why the described combination is the best description.

In MDM, you count data elements by summing distinct pieces of information you access or review, and you’re allowed to combine elements from different types. You don’t have to include every category to reach a total.

For example, counting an independent historian, a note reviewed, and a unique test as three elements shows you can mix different item types to reach the total. Each of those represents a separate piece of data used in the decision, so they sum to three.

This approach means you don’t need an element from every category, you can sum across categories, and a note reviewed can be counted alongside an independent historian. That’s why the described combination is the best description.