CAHPS Database

About the CAHPS Database

The CAHPS Database (formerly known as the National CAHPS Benchmarking Database) is AHRQ's repository for data from selected CAHPS surveys. The primary purpose of the CAHPS Database is to facilitate comparisons of CAHPS survey results by and among survey users. To support the use of CAHPS survey results, the CAHPS Database offers products and services that include a Chartbook, an Online Reporting System, custom analyses, and data for research purposes.

Participation in the CAHPS Database is free and open to all users of the Health Plan Survey and Clinician & Group Survey that administer surveys according to CAHPS specifications. In return, participating organizations can access a Private Feedback Report in Excel with their own results compared to the overall Database average. Learn more about the CAHPS Database.

Submitting Data to the CAHPS Database

To participate in the CAHPS Database, survey users submit a Data Use Agreement, a copy of their survey instrument, information about the health care organization, and a data file. Learn about submitting CAHPS survey data.

Exploring Results for CAHPS Surveys

Access to aggregated survey results for the CAHPS Health Plan Survey and the CAHPS Clinician & Group Survey is available through two vehicles:

• The CAHPS Database Online Reporting System, a Web-based platform for interacting with survey results.
• Annual Chartbooks, which provide summary-level results.

Using CAHPS Data for Research

Researchers may gain authorized access to de-identified data files from the CAHPS Database to help answer important health services research questions related to patient experience of care as measured by CAHPS surveys. Survey data may be granted to researchers who submit a research abstract and sign a data use agreement that ensures the confidentiality of the data. Learn how to request a research dataset from the CAHPS Database.