Free CAHPS Survey
50+ Expert Crafted CAHPS Survey Questions
Measure patient satisfaction and uncover actionable insights with CAHPS - the industry-standard survey designed to evaluate patient experiences across every touchpoint of care. Grab our free CAHPS template, preloaded with example questions and streamlined response aggregation by page, to start gathering actionable feedback in minutes. If you need a different layout or deeper customization, create your own survey in our online form builder.
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Top Secrets: How to Create a CAHPS Survey That Drives Results
A CAHPS survey is your window into patient experience. Collecting honest feedback helps clinics and hospitals pinpoint areas for improvement. When designed well, a CAHPS survey boosts response rates and reveals what truly matters to patients. It's standardized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, so benchmarks are reliable. That consistency lets providers compare performance nationwide. That insight can transform care quality.
Start with clear, concise questions. For example, ask "What do you value most about your visits?" or "How would you rate your overall experience?" Short questions that pack a punch keep patients engaged and reduce survey fatigue. Avoid jargon and stick to everyday language.
Use multi-modal channels - mail, web, phone - to reach more people. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality outlines best practices in CAHPS Survey Design and Administration. Make sure your web survey adapts to phones and tablets, and pilot test layouts across browsers for consistency. If you report results externally, check out Designing a CAHPS Report for guidance.
Imagine a small clinic that tested a draft survey with ten patients before the big send. They spotted confusing wording around appointment wait times and rewrote it in plain English. After refining, their response rate climbed 20%. That real-world test can save time and money.
Before you hit send, run a quick poll on your team's top questions. Be sure to frame surveys as a conversation, not a chore. If you need more inspiration, explore our Healthcare Feedback Survey templates. That way, you'll feel confident your design meets industry standards.
A well-crafted CAHPS survey answers the question, "How do I use this survey effectively?" You'll gain clear, actionable data. Your team can then drive improvements where they matter most. With patient feedback at the core, your practice becomes truly patient-centered.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your CAHPS Survey
A CAHPS survey can fall flat if you skip critical steps and ignore patient context. Without a strategy, response rates lag and data lose impact. Every mistake chips away at your credibility and budgets, forcing teams to chase late adjustments. Spotting errors early saves time and money.
Many teams skip pilot testing, launching surveys full-scale only to discover confusing phrasing around access to care. One clinic ran a micro-test with five team members, caught a vague wait-time question, and rewrote it in plain language before the big send. That tweak lifted scores by almost 10% and slashed follow-up calls. Piloting uncovers hurdles without hurting your reputation.
Poor formatting drives respondents away, especially on mobile. Follow AHRQ's advice in Formatting CAHPS Questionnaires for Mail, Web, and Phone Administrations. Keep mail surveys two-column, optimize for all browsers, and script phone calls clearly. A clean design builds trust and reduces drop-offs.
Translation needs often get overlooked. If 20% of your patients speak another language, offer a version to match. Auto-translate tools can miss nuance, so work with a human reviewer. That extra step shows respect and improves validity.
Don't forget report design or your data lake will drown stakeholders. Use composite charts and clear headings when you share results. Imagine a board member asking, "Did our staff explain things clearly?" or "Would you recommend our practice to others?" Simple visuals answer those questions at a glance, and you can explore our HCAHPS Survey templates for report layouts.
Finally, learn from the experts before you roll out. The Development, Methodology, and Adaptation of the Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Patient Experience Survey, 2007 - 2019 article offers deep insights on survey evolution. Avoid rushed launches and focus on clear, tested, and respectful design that turns a standard survey into a powerful tool. Now you're armed to collect feedback that truly drives improvement.
Facility Cleanliness Questions
Ensuring patient safety begins with a clean environment. This section measures perceptions of sanitation and hygiene to help you maintain high facility standards and build patient trust through your Healthcare Satisfaction Survey .
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How would you rate the overall cleanliness of your room during your stay?
Understanding patient perceptions of room cleanliness helps identify areas needing more rigorous cleaning protocols.
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How clean was the bathroom in your room?
Bathroom hygiene directly impacts patient comfort and infection control measures.
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How would you describe the cleanliness of the common areas (waiting room, hallways)?
Assessing shared spaces ensures a consistent standard of cleanliness throughout the facility.
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How well-maintained was the medical equipment in your room?
Clean and well-maintained equipment reduces infection risk and promotes patient confidence.
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How frequently did you observe staff cleaning your room?
Monitoring cleaning frequency helps evaluate adherence to sanitation schedules.
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Was hand sanitizer readily available at key points?
Accessibility of hand hygiene products supports infection prevention practices.
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Did you notice any unpleasant odors in your room or common areas?
Detecting odors early can signal gaps in cleaning or waste disposal processes.
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How clean and fresh did the bed linens and towels feel?
Clean linens are essential for patient comfort and perceived care quality.
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How timely was trash removal from your room?
Prompt waste disposal prevents odor buildup and maintains a healthy environment.
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Did you see staff visibly performing cleaning tasks during your stay?
Visible cleaning efforts reassure patients that cleanliness is a priority.
Staff Communication Questions
Clear communication fosters patient confidence and reduces anxiety. These questions help you evaluate how well your team explains procedures and listens, contributing to an effective Patient Feedback Survey .
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How clearly did staff explain your treatment plan?
Clear explanations ensure patients understand their care and feel secure.
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How well did providers listen to your concerns?
Active listening builds trust and uncovers patient needs more accurately.
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Were you given enough information about your condition?
Providing thorough information reduces uncertainty and supports informed decisions.
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How responsive was the staff when you had questions?
Timely responses demonstrate respect for patient inquiries and improve satisfaction.
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Did staff use language you could easily understand?
Using clear, jargon-free language avoids confusion and enhances patient comprehension.
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How would you rate the courtesy and respect shown by staff?
Respectful interactions are fundamental to a positive care experience.
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Did you receive consistent information from different staff members?
Consistency prevents mixed messages and maintains trust in care delivery.
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How well did staff involve you in decisions about your care?
Involvement in decisions empowers patients and supports shared decision-making.
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Were follow-up instructions explained clearly?
Clear post-care guidance promotes proper recovery and reduces readmissions.
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How satisfied were you with the overall communication from the care team?
Overall communication satisfaction is a key indicator of patient experience quality.
Pain Management Questions
Pain control is a critical aspect of patient comfort and recovery. Use these questions to assess how effectively pain was managed and explained in your Health Care Survey .
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How would you rate the effectiveness of your pain relief?
Measuring relief effectiveness helps tailor pain management protocols.
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How quickly did staff respond when you reported pain?
Timely response to pain signals commitment to patient comfort.
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Did providers explain your pain management options?
Understanding available options allows informed decisions about pain control.
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How well were potential side effects of pain medication explained?
Informing patients about side effects ensures safe and confident usage.
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Were you involved in decisions about your pain medication schedule?
Patient involvement in scheduling ensures personalized and acceptable care.
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How satisfied were you with non-medication pain relief methods offered?
Evaluating non-drug options provides insight into holistic pain management.
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Did staff check in regularly about your pain level?
Regular check-ins signal ongoing commitment to pain control.
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How comfortable were you with the explanations of pain assessment tools?
Comfort with assessment tools ensures accurate reporting and management.
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How well did staff coordinate pain management across shifts?
Coordination prevents gaps in pain control during shift changes.
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Overall, how satisfied were you with your pain management experience?
Overall satisfaction indicates the success of your pain control strategies.
Discharge Process Questions
A smooth discharge process reduces readmissions and ensures patient readiness. These questions assess clarity and completeness in your HCAHPS Survey on discharge information.
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How clear were your discharge instructions?
Clear instructions prevent confusion and support post-discharge self-care.
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Were you given a written list of your medications at discharge?
Medication lists improve adherence and reduce errors after leaving the facility.
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Did you understand the follow-up appointment schedule?
Understanding follow-up helps maintain care continuity and health outcomes.
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How well did staff explain warning signs to watch for?
Knowing warning signs enables early intervention if issues arise.
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Did you receive guidance on diet and activity after discharge?
Diet and activity advice aids recovery and prevents complications.
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How timely was the discharge process?
Efficient discharge reduces patient frustration and resource use.
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Were all your questions about discharge answered?
Addressing all questions ensures patients feel prepared and confident.
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How coordinated was your discharge with your primary care provider?
Coordination with primary care prevents gaps in follow-up and treatments.
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Did you receive contact information for post-discharge concerns?
Providing contact details offers reassurance and support after leaving.
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Overall, how ready did you feel to manage your care at home?
Perceived readiness indicates the effectiveness of the discharge education.
Overall Patient Experience Questions
Gathering a holistic view of patient perceptions guides continuous improvement. These questions aim to capture overall satisfaction in your Patient Satisfaction Survey .
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How likely are you to recommend our facility to others?
Recommendation likelihood is a key metric for patient loyalty and satisfaction.
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How satisfied are you with the quality of care you received?
Overall care satisfaction reflects clinical and service excellence.
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Did you feel your privacy was respected throughout your stay?
Privacy respect is fundamental to patient dignity and trust.
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How would you rate the friendliness of our staff?
Staff friendliness enhances patient comfort and positive experiences.
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Were your cultural and personal preferences honored?
Respecting individual preferences improves patient-centered care.
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How comfortable were waiting times for appointments and procedures?
Reasonable wait times contribute to patient satisfaction and reduce anxiety.
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How clear was the billing and payment information?
Transparent billing avoids confusion and improves financial satisfaction.
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Did you feel involved in decisions about your care?
Patient involvement promotes shared decision-making and better outcomes.
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How well did our facility address any concerns you raised?
Effective issue resolution demonstrates commitment to patient feedback.
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Overall, how would you rate your experience at our facility?
An overall rating captures the summation of individual service elements.
