From Survey to Spotlight: Five Insights on OAS CAHPS Public Scores

Insights on OAS CAHPS data from Ryan Sparks, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Nexus Health Resources

As ASCs start participating in OAS CAHPS, it’s important to understand how survey responses will be shared publicly. Here are five key insights into how this data will become accessible to your potential patients.

Results are Updated Quarterly with Four Quarters of Data Required for Public Reporting

Results from the OAS CAHPS Survey are publicly reported on CMS websites on a quarterly basis. Each report includes the most recent four quarters of data for each participating HOPD and ASC. To be included in public reporting, an HOPD or ASC must have survey response data (i.e., patients who responded to the survey) for all four quarters within the reporting period.

OAS CAHPS provides a “Data Submission Deadlines Linked to the Public Reporting Period” table, which outlines the dates when data will be posted on CMS websites. On average, there is a nine-month gap between the end of a calendar quarter, referred to as the “sample quarter,” and the public posting of the data. An excerpt from this table is included below.

All Responses are Not Reported

CMS does not publicly report individual responses to each OAS CAHPS Survey question. Instead, results are publicly reported for the following composite measures:

• Facilities and Staff
• Communications About Procedure
• Overall Facility Rating
• Willingness to Recommend

The composite measure “Preparing for Discharge and Recovery” is not currently reported on the CMS website. This composite measure, which includes questions about possible patient outcomes like pain, nausea, and bleeding, is under a quality review by CMS.

Public Reporting will Expand from Numerical Scores to Star Rating

Currently, results from the OAS CAHPS surveys are available on the CMS Provider Data Catalog. CMS is also developing OAS CAHPS star ratings, with plans to report these ratings on the Care Compare website. The star ratings will include a broad Summary Star Rating similar to those displayed for hospitals and other provider types. Star ratings for HOPDs are scheduled for release in October 2025, while those for ASCs are slated for October 2026.

Your Vendor Scores May Differ from Publicly Reported Results

Research by CMS reveals that patients’ responses to healthcare services can be influenced by their individual characteristics. For the OAS CAHPS survey, six key patient characteristics have been identified, including factors like age, educational level, and self-rated health status. To ensure fairness, CMS has developed statistical models to account for these variables, adjusting the scores accordingly before they are publicly reported.

Preview Reports are Made Available Before Data is Publicly Reported

Preview reports for the OAS CAHPS Survey are made available to HOPDs and ASCs approximately 2 to 3 weeks before the results are publicly reported. These Facility Preview Reports are posted on a secure, private link on the OAS CAHPS site. Access to these reports is restricted to facility staff who are registered on the OAS CAHPS site.

Understanding how OAS CAHPS survey results are reported is crucial for HOPDs and ASCs as they navigate the public reporting process. SIS Surveys, powered by Nexus Health, is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact the SIS Team for more information.