Enhancing patient experience: Why ASCs must embrace OAS CAHPS now

Understanding patient perspectives has never been more critical. The Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS) survey is set to become a mandatory quality measure for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in January 2025. While still voluntary, the window to get ready is closing fast, making it crucial for ASCs to act now to streamline their processes, ensure compliance, and, above all, improve the quality of patient care.

OAS CAHPS administration becomes mandatory for ASCs in January 2025. 

What is the OAS CAHPS survey, and why is it important?

Developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and accredited in 2015, the OAS CAHPS survey is designed to capture feedback on patient surgical care experiences in hospital outpatient departments and ASCs. OAS CAHPS becomes a mandatory measure for ASCs as part of the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) beginning in 2025. ASCs that do not administer and report OAS CAHPS once it’s required could be subject to a 2% penalty of their annual Medicare payment update.

The perks of early adoption: Get started with OAS CAHPS today

Implementing OAS CAHPS ahead of its mandatory inclusion can significantly benefit your ASC. Early adoption gives your center adequate time to refine survey processes, address potential challenges, and integrate feedback mechanisms into your quality improvement initiatives. More importantly, it prepares your team for the forthcoming financial implications and public reporting, safeguarding your Medicare payments and reputation.

Beyond compliance, the OAS CAHPS survey serves as a critical feedback tool that helps ASCs align their processes with patient expectations and industry standards. Insights gained from the survey empower healthcare teams to pinpoint areas for improvement, enhance communication and procedures, and, ultimately, elevate the patient experience.

Important dates:

• Mandatory administration takes effect in January 2025.
• Sign up with Press Ganey before October 1 to ensure adequate time to get started before the mandatory reporting period. And don’t wait: The sooner you get started, the better!

How Press Ganey helps with OAS CAHPS

Press Ganey is well equipped to guide your center through every step of the OAS CAHPS implementation process. We have unrivaled experience helping organizations prepare for and satisfy CAHPS, public reporting, and new payment model requirements. As a true partner to our clients, we provide the trust you need to feel confident you are meeting deadlines and reporting requirements. From selecting the appropriate survey mode (e.g., mail, phone, web) to analyzing patient feedback and developing improvement strategies incorporating the data, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your surveying and OAS CAHPS reporting process is seamless and effective.

As the mandatory implementation date approaches, now is the time to embrace the OAS CAHPS survey. Don’t wait until it’s too late to influence your center’s quality of care and compliance.

Get in touch with a Press Ganey policy expert to see how we can help you prepare, make the transition smoother, and start leveraging patient feedback for quality improvement.