Examples of Sample Frame Elements

The sample frame that a CAHPS survey sponsor provides to a vendor would ideally include the following information (data elements).

Elements for an Adult Survey

• Unique patient ID (typically provided by provider or insurer).
• Name of person (first and last names in separate fields).
• Date of birth.
• Treatment, condition, or service for which patient was sampled (e.g., medical, obstetric, surgical; type of cancer treatment).
• Gender.
• Complete address (includes street address, city, state, and ZIP Code each in a separate field).
• Phone number with area code (if available).
• Email address (if available).
• Primary language (if known).
• Race (if known).
• Hispanic/Not Hispanic (if known).
• Indicate if Spanish-language materials are required (if known).
• Name and unique ID of provider organization (e.g., plan, group, facility).
• Name and unique ID of provider seen.
• Name and unique ID of site where patient was seen.
• Indicate if the physician is the patient’s assigned primary care provider (optional).
• Date of most recent visit.

Additional Elements for a Child Survey (if applicable)

• Parent or guardian’s name.
• Gender of parent or guardian.
• Complete address of parent or guardian (includes street address, city, state, and ZIP Code each in a separate field).
• Parent or guardian's telephone number with area code (if available).
• Parent or guardian’s email address (if available).