CAHPS Databases

What Are the CAHPS Databases?

The CAHPS Databases are AHRQ's data repositories for selected CAHPS surveys. The primary purpose of the CAHPS Databases is to facilitate comparisons of CAHPS survey results by survey users. This compilation of survey results voluntarily submitted by a large pool of survey users enables healthcare organizations to compare their own results to aggregated data. The CAHPS Databases also offer important sources of primary data for approved research related to patient and consumer assessments of quality as measured by CAHPS surveys.

Participation in the CAHPS Databases is free and open to users of the selected surveys that comply with CAHPS specifications. In return, participating organizations can access a Private Feedback Report in Excel with their own results compared to the overall average.

What Survey Results Are in the CAHPS Databases?

AHRQ maintains four databases with aggregated results for selected CAHPS surveys. Select one of the databases to learn what information is available and how to participate:

• CAHPS Health Plan Survey Database.
• CAHPS Child Hospital Survey Database.
• CAHPS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Survey Database.
• CAHPS Clinician & Group Survey Database.

When and How Can CAHPS Survey Data Be Submitted to the Databases?

Organizations that want to participate in the CAHPS Databases will have to submit specific data elements and comply with database guidelines. Select the survey name below for detailed information about participating in each of the CAHPS Databases. Data can be submitted annually.

	CAHPS Survey	2023 Data Submission Dates
	Child Hospital	March 13 – April 14
	Health Plan	June 5–30
	Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)	August 7–September 1

Note: There are no immediate plans to collect data on the Clinician & Group Survey.

Visit the CAHPS Database Submission System for forms, specifications, and additional information.  

Are Survey Results From the CAHPS Databases Available for Research?

Researchers may request access to research datasets, which are de-identified data files from the CAHPS Databases, to help answer important health services research questions related to patient experience of care, as measured by CAHPS surveys. All requests for research data must be approved by AHRQ.

Questions? Email: CAHPSDatabase@westat.com (Subject Line: De-identified CAHPS data).