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Announcement

Protocols and Guidelines Manual, Version 3.0 has been Posted and Other Resourceful Documents have been Updated
folder_openSurvey Materialscalendar_todayPosted November 7, 2018

Version 3.0 of the Protocols and Guidelines Manual has been released on the OAS CAHPS Website as well as revised versions of the standalone documents available on the Survey Materials page, including the CATI script in Spanish and FAQs for telephone interviewers in English and Spanish, and Model QAP Outline document available under "For Vendors." Version 2.0 of the Website User and Data Submission Manual has also been posted and is available on the Data Submission Resources page.

The following is a summary of the main differences between Version 2.0 and Version 3.0 of the Protocols and Guidelines Manual.

  • Chapter II: Refined text regarding the extended period of voluntary implementation of the OAS CAHPS Survey for the CY 2020 payment determination (2018 data collection) and until further action in the rulemaking; added text indicating additional resources available on the public access pages of the OAS CAHPS website.
  • Chapter III: Added information explaining that it is permissible for facilities participating in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Project to administer the OAS CAHPS Survey in conjunction with the NSQIP post-operative survey (also added to Chapter IV); moved clarification on the placement of supplemental questions in the OAS CAHPS Questionnaire from survey administrative chapters; added a disaster recovery plan for survey data to the list of security policies vendors applicants are required to describe; and modified the language of the vendor requirements to parallel the latest version of the Minimum Business Requirements.
  • Chapter IV: Added text explaining protocols for removing non-eligible patients from monthly patient information files; clarified and updated protocols for handling missing procedural codes on patient information files received by facilities; and updated figures in Table 4.2 and in sampling examples.
  • Chapter V: Added text explaining the protocols for displaying an HOPD or ASC logo or name on outgoing envelopes; added a requirement that a unique, randomly generated SID number must be assigned and appear on the survey cover letter for tracking purposes; added text explaining that proxies are not permitted for deceased respondents; and clarified requirements for revisions to the OAS CAHPS Survey response data once a survey has been processed (keyed or scanned).
  • Chapter VI : Added text explaining that proxies are not permitted for deceased respondents; and clarified the protocol for revising or correcting response data once a telephone interview has been completed.
  • Chapter VII: Added text explaining the protocols for displaying an HOPD or ASC logo or name on outgoing envelopes; added a requirement that a unique, randomly generated SID number must be assigned and appear on the survey cover letter for tracking purposes; clarified requirements for revisions to the mail response data once a survey has been processed (keyed or scanned); and clarified the protocol for revising or correcting response data once a telephone interview has been completed.
  • Chapter VIII: Added guidance on electronic data backup storage and development of a disaster recovery plan; and added text explaining that the OAS CAHPS Survey Coordination Team should be notified as soon as possible following a breach of confidential data.
  • Chapter X : Updated diagram in Exhibit 10.1; updated screenshots throughout, where needed; added text indicating additional resources available on the public access pages of the OAS CAHPS website; updated dates in vendor authorization example; and added text explaining how users can reset their password for the OAS CAHPS website.
  • Chapter XI: Clarified text explaining how facilities determine the Number of Patients Served.
  • Chapter XII: Added information about the Facility Preview Report and the document "Understanding the Preview Reports" on the OAS CAHPS website.
  • Chapter XIV: Updated titles of the OAS CAHPS measures; added footnote about the status of the Preparing for Discharge and Recovery composite; clarified that OAS CAHPS Survey results are reported with top-, middle-, and bottom-box scores; added text clarifying where users can access OAS CAHPS Survey results during voluntary participation; updated Table 14.1 (Crosswalk of Composite Measures and Global Ratings); added text explaining that OAS CAHPS star ratings are currently under development; updated information aboutFacility Preview Reports; and updated Table 14.2 (Data Submission Deadlines Linked to the Public Reporting Period) by adding 4 additional quarters to the bottom.
  • Chapter XV: Added guidance for additional allowable exception to the OAS CAHPS Survey: displaying the HOPD or ASC's name or logo on the outgoing envelope.
  • Appendix A: Updated to match the latest version of the online Vendor Application form.
  • Appendix C: Added a comma (",") to the third response category for Q31 in the CATI instrument (now reads: "Cubano(a), o").
  • Appendix H & I: Added probe options for telephone interviewers to use when a respondent answers "Yes" instead of "Yes, Definitely" or "Yes, Somewhat;" and text for interviewers to use when asked where can they see the study results.
  • Appendix N: Added new requirement under Data Security, Confidentiality, and Privacy Plan about including a general description of the disaster recovery plan the vendor has in place for OAS CAHPS Survey data.
  • Throughout Manual: Added references to the OAS CAHPS Survey Website and Data Submission Manual, Version 2.0 ; updated the CPT code citation year to read "CPT only copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved;" and streamlined and/or refined text, where appropriate.

If you have questions, you can contact the OAS CAHPS Survey Coordination Team via e-mail at oascahps@rti.org or call 1-866-590-7468.