Here’s why you should take that patient-satisfaction survey

In a world where we seem to be inundated with surveys (like purchase-experience emails), which ones are worth completing? Believe it or not, your health-care provider’s patient-satisfaction survey is one survey that’s well worth your time. 

Here are three reasons why you should consider taking that survey the next time around.

Do you want to receive up to 10 telephone calls? Yes, 10. Since some patient-satisfaction surveys are mandated by CMS (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), the survey vendor must follow all survey protocols. For some patient surveys, this includes vendors making up to 10 phone-call attempts. Consider answering and completing the questionnaire before the survey vendor is required to try your phone number another nine times.

Do you find yourself wishing the health-care system could be improved? Have a say in health-care delivery and help drive quality improvements through your feedback. Patient-satisfaction surveys give you a voice in the quality and coordination of care. Even better, health-care organizations are now more likely than ever to take your input and improve their quality of care due to government-reform incentives and mandates.

Hang in there. You may receive several surveys throughout the year (depending on how many facilities you are receiving care at), but it’s important to continually participate. Change, especially in health care, doesn’t happen overnight. The data a facility receives over time will allow it to pinpoint areas for improvement, set standards, and take action where needs fall short.        

Christine Benn is the business-development coordinator at Research & Marketing Strategies, Inc. (RMS). The firm’s research work includes patient surveys in the health-care field. Contact Benn at ChristineB@RMSresults.com or (315) 635.9802.