This blog post was written by our guest blogger Michele Treinin, Healthcare Analyst at Research & Marketing Strategies (RMS).

Research & Marketing Strategies, Inc. (RMS) is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval from the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) for ACOs Survey Project Team as a vendor for 2014-2015 survey administration. The approval allows RMS to administer the CAHPS for ACO survey on behalf of Accountable Care Organizations who are required to conduct the survey as part of their participation in Medicare programs.

How to choose an ACO CAHPS vendor and why you should choose Research & Marketing Strategies (RMS):

• One-on-one consultation: Here at RMS, you’re not just a number and neither is your company. We pride ourselves in the ability to consistently work one-on-one with our clients and get to know you and the needs of your company. Our Healthcare Analytics team is always available to answer any questions you may have or provide additional information upon request. We are never too busy for you. RMS also offers a real-time online portal that allows you to access data at any time of the day.

• High Response Rates: Our response rates are consistently higher than the national averages posted by CMS. Currently, RMS sees between 50% to 55% of surveys returned for the Mixed-Mode option of administration. That means a higher degree of reliability for your organization and a clearer picture of overall operations which impacts reimbursement. Another thing that separates RMS from other vendors is our mailing process. We use actual stamps on every piece of mail that leaves our office which lessens the perception of junk mail.

• Experience: Since the inception of HCAHPS® in 2006, RMS has been on the forefront of the latest CAHPS surveying. With our knowledge of Value Based Purchasing, PCMH Recognition and ACOs, we are well-versed in the workings of Patient Satisfaction surveying and have the capabilities to fit any needs you may have. Healthcare is one of the major cornerstones of RMS and we are here to help you obtain results. RMS complies with all CMS guidelines, deadlines and protocols and when added to our over 50 years if industry experience, you can be rest assured you’re receiving the best service possible.

• Flexible: There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to marketing and research challenges. Not only can we conduct the ACO CAHPS survey but through our different departments, we are able to provide a variety of services that can transcend all parts of your organization no matter the size or scope.

Other CAHPS® surveys on the horizon include Emergency Department CAHPS (EDCAHPS® – coming in 2015) and Ambulatory Surgery Center CAHPS. Research & Marketing Strategies (RMS) has a dedicated RMS Healthcare division which specializes in CAHPS administration and reporting. Our team can consult with you on all CAHPS processes and determine if we are the right fit for your organization. If you are interested in hiring a CAHPS vendor contact our Business Development Director Sandy Baker at SandyB@RMSresults.com or by calling 1-866-567-5422.