Updated September 2025
One of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) newest studies for measuring patient experience, the Psychiatric Inpatient Experience (PIX) Survey explores the care experience specific to inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF) as part of the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting (IPFQR) Program. As the anonymous survey becomes mandatory for IPFs in CY2026, take a moment to review the basics of this survey and, if you work at an IPF, ensure your organization has selected a vendor to collect these insights.
Are additional languages available for the PIX survey?
Not yet — but additional language options are coming soon. CMS is working to expand accessibility for all patients.
Who is excluded from taking the PIX survey?
The only acceptable exclusions are:
- Patients under 13 years of age
- Patients who are mentally unable to complete the survey, with proper documentation in the facility’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
Note: Patients being transferred for a higher level of care, leaving AMA (Against Medical Advice), or returning to jail should not be excluded and must be offered the survey.
Can patients with cognitive impairments complete the survey?
Yes, with some support:
- Patients with mild impairments can receive simplified instructions or visual aids (such as emoji response scales).
- Staff may clarify instructions, but they must not interpret or suggest answers.
- The patient’s ability to complete the survey must be respected and supported where possible.
Can staff help patients complete the survey?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- Direct care staff may not assist, to avoid bias.
- Neutral staff members (not part of the care team) may help if needed.
- Help is limited to reading instructions, providing visual aids, or explaining how to respond—not answering for the patient.
What’s the current (CY2026) timeline?
- Required participation begins CY2026.
- Survey period: January 1–December 31, 2026
- Submission window: July 1–August 15, 2027
- Optional pilot: Some organizations may participate in CY2025 to prepare.
Why is the survey mandatory to complete?
- The PIX survey fulfills CMS’ goal of capturing behavioral health-specific patient feedback.
- Required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
- Ensures standardized data collection—other surveys can’t substitute for PIX.
Who conducts and receives the survey?
- All IPFs under IPF PPS must administer the survey starting CY2026.
- Applies to freestanding psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units within hospitals.
- Patients 13 and older complete the survey anonymously starting a day before discharge.
What are the accepted methodologies for the survey?
- Administered electronically (tablet/computer) or by paper.
- Paper surveys are provided before discharge with a self-addressed return envelope.
- Patients may receive limited assistance (see above).
- Data will be published on Care Compare (Medicare.gov) and available on PRCEasyView.com® for PRC clients.
What are the submission guidelines for PIX surveys?
- Data submitted via CMS’ Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR) System.
- Each IPF must aim for 300 completed surveys per year, with some exceptions.
- Results include scores for four domains and an overall score (if the patient completes all items).
- Partial responses will only contribute to individual question scores, not domain/overall scores.
Fill out our form to connect with a PRC expert about launching PIX surveys in your organization.
Sources and Further Reading:
CMS – Inpatient Psychiatric Facility PPS
CMS QualityNet – PIX Survey Questions
PRC – PIX Surveys Product Sheet
