FAQ’s

What is CAHPS? — CAHPS Stands for  Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.  It is a family of standardized surveys that ask consumers and patients to report on and evaluate their experiences with health care.

What is the difference between HH-CAHPS and H-CAHPS? — The “HH” in front of CAHPS stands for Home Health Care CAHPS, where as the “H” stands for Hospital CAHPS.  TheCAHPS is an approved CMS vendor and administrator for both HH CAHPS and H CAHPS surveys.

Why is CAHPS important? — CAHPS Surveys are a standardized tool that allows results to be publicly reported.  The reasoning behind this is threefold:

  1. Increase the transparency of the quality of care provided by home health agencies
  2. Provide incentives for agencies to improve the quality of care that they provide
  3. Provide an avenue for the public to create “objective and meaningful comparisons between home health agencies”

Beginning in 2011, non-compliant agencies will receive a 2% reduction in Medicare reimbursement.

Who is required to participate? — If you qualify as one of the following, you will be required to contract with a CMS- approved vendor for CAHPS administration:

  • Medicare and Medicaid Certified Home Health Agencies
  • Facilities that provide care to more than 60 non-duplicated Medicare/Medicaid patients annually
  • Providers that have been assigned an ID number

If your home health agency is required to participate in the CAHPS process, it is a good idea to get on board early so that you can complete a “dry run” and correct any issues that may arise before it becomes mandatory.

How are CAHPS Surveys administered? — CAHPS surveys can be conducted by mail only, by phone only, or by a “mixed” mode, which is a combination of mail and phone.  CMS requires that home health agencies must contract with a CMS-approved vendor for CAHPS survey administration.

TheCAHPS conducts mail only surveys, as most home health agencies find this the most economical option, and thus is usually their preferred method.

What is TheCAHPS average response rate of Mail Only Surveys? — We experience a 30 – 50% return rate.  The average or standard return rate for mail only surveys is 30%.

How many surveys need to be administered? — Each home health agency will need to have at least 300 completed surveys each year. If an agency does not have enough patients to complete the desired amount of surveys, then the agency must complete as many as possible.

What is the dry run? — Agencies will have an opportunity to conduct a dry run before mandatory implementation.  During the dry run, surveys will be conducted following protocol outlined by CMS, but results will not be made available to the public.  This provides agencies with a good opportunity to test the CAHPS process and fix any issues early.  Voluntary dry runs can take place during Q1 and Q2 of 2010, and will be required during any month during Q3 of 2010.

How will results be reported? — After CMS has gathered one years worth of data, results will be posted on the www.medicare.gov website in the Home Health Compare section.   Online results will be updated on a quarterly basis.

When do we need to start?

  • Sign up for a CMS-approved vendor’s HH-CAHPS program now
  • Q1 and Q2 of 2010 – Voluntary Participation in Dry Run for Home Health Agencies
  • Q3 2010 – Required Dry Run
  • Q4 2010 – National Implementation Starts
  • Q1 2011 – First National Report Made Public

Can I sign up with TheCahps for the HH-CAHPS Program today? — Yes, we are currently accepting new home health agencies.  Please call us at 877.481.6251 or fill out our contact form to get signed up today.

What is the pricing for your CAHPS Program? — At TheCAHPS we have an annual fee and a per piece mailing fee.  There are no setup charges or additional fees for customized reports.  For specific pricing contact us at 877-481-6251 or email heather@thecahps.com

Have a question that is not answered here?  Make sure to contact us at 877-481-6251 or email heather@thecahps.com.  As your expert Health Care Survey Partner, we will make sure to walk you through the entire process.

theCAHPS