If your organization conducts the In-Center Hemodialysis CAHPS survey (ICH CAHPS), spring 2026 will mark important changes to its contents and dimensions. These changes remove and consolidate several questions, aiming to streamline the survey experience for patients while still collecting meaningful insights for organizations surrounding the core patient experience. Below are key things to know about the ICH CAHPS survey’s spring 2026 revisions:
A Shorter Survey
Altogether, the revised ICH CAHPS survey consists of 38 questions in the mail survey and 36 when conducted via telephone. This is down from 62 and 59 questions for mail and phone surveys, respectively. CMS estimates the revisions will reduce the average completion time from 16 minutes to 12, aiming to improve response rates accordingly.
Survey Contents
Multiple sections of the survey will be streamlined as part of the revisions, including demographic identifications and nephrologist-based questions. For the latter, the revised ICH CAHPS survey removes most of the kidney doctor-dedicated section of questions, opting to focus on measuring the holistic organizational experience—including communication, comfort, responsiveness, and operational quality. CMS aims to capture patient perceptions through the following dimensions:
- Dialysis Staff Communication
- Care During Treatment
- Providing Information
View the revised ICH CAHPS question set here.
What Organizations Need to Know
Previously existing participation and reporting requirements remain unchanged in these revisions. This includes public reporting requiring 30 completed surveys per period, survey administration periods occurring in the spring and fall, and Dialysis Facility Care Compare updating their reporting twice a year following reporting periods. One new requirement is the submission of a Facility Non-Participation Form for opted-out organizations that must be submitted by February 28, 2026.
Regarding the survey contents, CMS encourages dialysis leaders to reinforce best practices around staff communication, patient education, and rounding to reflect the shift towards measuring holistic experiences; also acknowledging that the reduced question set in turn gives each question more weight in calculating overall scores.
How PRC Can Help
PRC has been granted approval as an ICH CAHPS survey vendor since the program’s introduction in 2014 and is qualified to conduct the survey by mail or telephone. We remain committed to supporting our client partners in their healthcare excellence journeys, with our CAHPS® team always staying on top of updates like these to keep you informed and equipped to optimize your organization’s patient experience.
Contact our CAHPS team to learn more about ICH CAHPS and for additional CAHPS support.
Sources & Further Reading
ICH CAHPS Official Survey Materials
PRC CAHPS Updates Subscription Form