New HHCAHPS Survey XML File Data Element: Number of Supplemental Questions
folder_openChanges to Protocols and Guidelinescalendar_todayPosted February 12, 2019

CMS has added a new data element to capture the count of supplemental questions that each individual HHA adds to the survey instrument, beginning with the January 2019 sample month. The January data are part of the Q1, 2019 due to the Data Center in July 2019.

We have posted updated Word and .pdf versions of the HHCAHPS Protocols and Guidelines Manual, v 11.0, with revised Appendices N and O, as well as a revised Website User and Data Submission Manual, v 7.0, which had minor edits to pp. 22-23.

The supplemental questions data element is in the Patient Administrative Data Record section of the XML file and includes the layout details provided below.

• Name: <number-supplemental></number-supplemental>
• Description: Number of supplemental questions HHA added to survey
• Occurrence: This administration data element should only occur once per patient.
  Example: <number-supplemental>5</number-supplemental>
• Type: Numeric
• Field Size: 2
• Data Element Required: Yes

We plan to take down the data submission tool after the April 2019 data submission deadline; more information will be provided closer to that time.

Please feel free to contact us via email or through the toll-free number if you have any questions.