Boost Your CAHPS Scores and Your Patients’ Health

Improve your CAHPS scores and enhance patient health this upcoming year through implementing strategies focused on access to care, empathetic communication, and proactive health measures.

Highmark Wholecare members will be receiving their Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys in early 2026. How members view their care and the overall experience in the office directly impacts National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) accreditation, Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, and most importantly, the quality of care that they receive. Higher scores mean better recognition for your practice and improved patient outcomes.

Improve your CAHPS results:

• Focus Areas: These are key areas where small improvements make a big difference!
• Access to Care (Improve Timeliness): Patients value quick appointments and easy specialist referrals. Faster access leads to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
• Empathetic Communication (Enhance Patient Experience): Active listening, clear explanations, and respect, build trust. Positive interactions improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall wellbeing. This is crucial for our Medicare D-SNP members who may require additional patience and personalized communication.
• Proactive Health (Promote Wellness): Encourage preventive care, screenings, and address tobacco use. Preventive care reduces long-term health issues, improving patient health, and lowering healthcare costs.

Actionable tips:

• Schedule Smart: Proactive appointment reminders and streamlined scheduling improve timeliness.
• Referral Efficiency: Implement a system for quick and efficient referrals to specialists.
• Team Training: Invest in communication skills and empathy training. Provide specialized training on the unique needs of D-SNP members.
• Technology Use: Leverage telehealth for convenient follow-ups.

By using these strategies, you can improve your CAHPS scores, strengthen your practice reputation, and most importantly provide better care for your patients.