Many health care providers are not completing surveys from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), according to a recent CMS alert. 
 
Officials use the data collected in these surveys "to make economic decisions that affect the entire medical care system," CMS noted. That includes making adjustments to Medicare Fee-for-Service payments each year, affecting approximately $300 billion in payments.
 
"If you’re contacted by BLS, please participate in the survey to help ensure the data are as accurate as possible," CMS noted. No response can reduce the representativeness of the data and increase volatility in estimates.
 
Officials stress participation is voluntary, confidential and the data are only used for statistical purposes.