CAHPS Hospice Survey

Overview: The CAHPS Hospice Survey gathers information on the experiences of hospice patients and their informal caregivers’ perspectives of their loved ones’ care.  The CAHPS Hospice Survey started national implementation in January 2015.

About the survey: The CAHPS Hospice Survey samples primary caregivers of deceased hospice patients who meet survey criteria.  Survey administration occurs several months after the death.  The survey includes the following key topics: starting hospice care, help for the patients’ symptoms, communication with the hospice team, caregivers’ own experiences with hospice care services, an overall rating of hospice care, and willingness to recommend the hospice.  There are currently three approved modes of survey administration: mail only, telephone only, and mixed mode (mail followed by telephone).

How the data are used: The CAHPS Hospice Survey is a component of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). The HQRP is currently “pay-for-reporting,” meaning timely submission and acceptance of complete data determine compliance with HQRP requirements. Compliance with reporting determines market basket updates (referred to as Annual Payment Updates (APU)). For more information about the HQRP, visit https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-initiatives-patient-assessment-instruments/hospice-quality-reporting. CMS publishes the results of the CAHPS Hospice Survey on Care Compare on Medicare.gov. Publicly reported CAHPS Hospice Survey results are based on eight quarters of survey data and are updated every quarter.

For more information, please visit the CAHPS Hospice Survey website: http://www.hospicecahpssurvey.org where you can access the Quality Assurance Guidelines Manual. You may also contact CMS at hospicesurvey@cms.hhs.gov or the CAHPS Hospice Survey project team at hospicecahpssurvey@hsag.com or by calling 1-844-472-4621.