Guidance for HOPE Tool Access for Transmissions

Today, we’ll be addressing updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. A newly released 5-part video series is now available to support training on the HOPE tool. The first of the five-part series offers an introduction and general overview of HOPE.

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2026 Hospice Final Rule Released

The 2026 Hospice Final Payment and Regulatory Update Rule was published on August 1 and aligns closely with what was outlined in the proposed version, confirming anticipated provisions and updates.

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Understanding Updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program

Today, we’ll be addressing updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. A newly released 5-part video series is now available to support training on the HOPE tool. The first of the five-part series offers an introduction and general overview of HOPE.

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Preparing for HOPE: Key Updates to Guidance Manual Ahead of the October 1 Implementation

In the last week of April, a new version of the Guidance Manual for completing the HOPE tool was released, along with an updated version of the HOPE itself. That manual includes several updates, a few of which I’ll be sharing with you today.

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Reviewing Updated Information on the CAHPS Hospice Survey

In a previous Monday Minute, we reviewed significant changes to the CAHPS Hospice Survey. In that Minute, we mentioned that we would be sharing additional details as we got closer to the implementation phase. Today, we are providing the latest updates on the survey.

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Understanding the Difference between Conditions of Participation and Conditions of Payment

The difference between the Conditions and Participation and the Conditions of Payment is a crucial topic, and a critical issue regarding the distinction between the two needs to be addressed. When discussing the Conditions of Participation, it’s well understood that compliance with CoPs is essential. Whether in home health or hospice, surveyors carefully review these conditions during their surveys.

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Reviewing Significant Changes to the CAHPS Hospice Survey Set to Take Effect on April 1

Major updates to the CAHPS Hospice survey, which were outlined in the Hospice Final Rule released August 2024, will take effect April 1, 2025. Related documents for the CAHPS survey changes are dated online January 2025. It’s essential to confirm that your CAHPS vendor is ready to implement the new processes and forms by April 1.

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2024 Hospice Year in Review and Looking Forward to 2025

As we close out 2024, Hospice has had a roller coaster ride for sure during this year and that will continue into 2025.

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Selections for Hospice Special Focus Program to Take Place in November

The Hospice Special Focus Program, which was finalized about a year ago, will select the list of participating hospices taking place in the program in November of 2024. During the selection process, from the group identified as the bottom 10% of performers—those with the highest scores, which indicate poorer performance—a list will be published on the Special Focus Program website.

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Reviewing Important HOPE Tool Information in the 2025 Hospice Final Rule

The Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation Tool, or HOPE Tool, is a clinical assessment tool that will completely replace the HIS, and will be mandatory for all patients, regardless of their payer or age. The HOPE Tool has been in development for quite some time and, although it was finalized in the 2025 rule, it won’t officially take effect until October 1, 2025.

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CMS Releases Preview Annual Performance Reports for the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model

CMS has recently released the Preview Annual Performance Reports for the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model. You can access these reports in the iQIES system, where you’ve been reviewing the Interim Performance Reports (IPR). This Preview Report introduces, for the first time, the percentage calculations showing how your 2023 results will affect your 2025 payments.

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Understanding the Two Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements Hospices Must Comply with to Avoid Payment Reductions

In order to avoid a 4% reduction in your upcoming annual payment update, it is essential that hospices are compliant with the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. These Hospice Quality Reporting Program requirements have been established for a while, yet every summer, many hospices across the nation are unexpectedly finding themselves non-compliant with specific aspects of these requirements.

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Understanding the Proposed Adjustments to CAHPS Hospice Surveys

CAHPS Hospice Surveys have been a longstanding component of the hospice program. These surveys have presented challenges for hospices, not only in terms of their content but also in securing the responses needed to make an impact on outcome measures. In the 2025 Hospice Proposed Rule, many proposed adjustments to CAHPS Hospice Surveys are on the table.

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Preparing for the Hospice Special Focus Program Selection Process

As a response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Hospice Special Focus Program was created to identify hospices who have poor quality outcomes based on quality indicators. A technical expert panel collaborated with CMS to establish the most effective approach for conducting the Special Focus Program and its content.

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Hospice Preview Reports Available for Review and Reporting

In mid-November, Hospice Preview Reports were released containing information about your Hospice. The information in these reports will be made available as part of the February 2024 refresh of the Care Compare website. Between November 15 and December 15, you’ll have the opportunity to thoroughly review the Preview Reports and report any discrepancies or issues you find in your data.

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Addressing Recent Updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program

In this week’s Monday Minute, we address the latest release to the Hospice Provider Preview Reports of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. Additionally, we will be discussing the significant 4% payment reduction that will be imposed if the HQRP requirements are not met.

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Reviewing the 2024 Hospice Final Rule

In this week’s Monday Minute, we discuss the 2024 Hospice Final Rule that was released July 2023.

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Hospice May 2023 Refresh to Care Compare (VIDEO)

In today’s Monday Minute, we discuss the most recent update to Care Compare with the Hospice Quality Reporting Program outcomes.

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Updated ABN Form Mandatory Implementation June 30, 2023 (VIDEO)

In today’s Monday Minute, we discuss the updated Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Form.

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The Current State of TPE and How to Avoid Common Claim Denials for Home Health and Hospice

Discover the current state of TPE for Hospice and Home Health providers, along with the top claim denials and strategies on how to avoid them to prevent negative financial impacts.

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HPS QAPI Consulting Program Awarded “CHAP VERIFIED” Seal

COMMUNITY HEALTH ACCREDITATION PARTNER AWARDS QAPI CONSULTING BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SOLUTIONS ITS “CHAP VERIFIED” STATUS.

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Is a Mock Survey in my Home Health or Hospice’s Best Interest?

Discover the importance of mock surveys for home health and hospice agencies and how they can help identify any weaknesses before an actual survey occurs.

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Impact of December 2022 CAHPS Hospice Survey Update (VIDEO)

In this week’s Monday Minute, we talk about the December 2022 CAHPS Hospice Survey update.

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Two Important Updates for Outcome Measures and Data Reporting for Hospice (VIDEO)

This Minute will highlight two important outcome measures and data reporting that will be incorporated into the Care Compare site for Hospice.

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2023 Hospice Final Payment Rule (VIDEO)

This session will review the key highlights from the 2023 Hospice Final Rule. Payment rates have increased, the Hospice Cap is set and the HOPE is looking for Beta testers. Don’t miss it!

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CAHPS Hospice Survey Impact (VIDEO)

This Minute will discuss thoughts surrounding the impact that field staff have on the results of the CAHPS Hospice Survey.

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2023 Hospice Proposed Rule Recap (VIDEO)

This Monday Minute will begin unfolding the important content of the Hospice Proposed Rule for 2023.

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Compliance with the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) (VIDEO)

This Monday Minute reviews the two components of the HQRP that impact the hospice reimbursement, if noncompliant.

There are two portions to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. One is related to the CAHPS Hospice Survey participation, and the other is related to the HIS transmission requirement and today we will look into both.

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Home Health & Hospice Quality Reporting Programs (VIDEO)

This Monday Minute will review the reality that the Home Health and Hospice Quality Reporting Program requirements were reinstated with penalties as of July 1, 2020. We will review the deadlines, what is included in those, and the penalties that will be assessed if you are not compliant.

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The Impact of Hurricane Ida

This Monday Minute will touch on the impact that Hurricane Ida has had on home health and hospice and exceptions granted by CMS to this area.

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Value Based Purchasing Nationwide Rollout 2022 (VIDEO)

This Minute briefly reviews some of the highlights of Value Based Purchasing and what has been proposed. Value-Based purchasing has been proposed in the form of a nationwide rollout for home health beginning in January 2022.

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2022 Hospice Final Rule Released (VIDEO)

This minute covers a quick recap of The Hospice Final Rule released on July 29, 2021 that updates Medicare hospice payments and the aggregate cap amount for FY 2022 in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. Make sure to stay tuned for more updates!

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Hospice Survey Changes in the Home Health Proposed Rule (VIDEO)

This minute is to make you aware that there are tons of pages in the 2022 Proposed Home Health Rule that are specific to Hospice. HPS will also have upcoming material that will discuss these updates. Make sure to stay tuned!

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FY2022 Hospice Proposed Payment Rule

In addition to the proposed changes for hospice providers CMS included proposed changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting program (HH QRP) to resume in the reporting for January 2022. The proposed rule for hospice and home health QRP is summarized in today’s blog.

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2022 Hospice Proposed Rule (VIDEO)

Welcome to Monday Minute with Melinda! This video clip gives you some highlights of the just issued proposed rule and resources for obtaining details. Make sure to stay tuned!

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2021 Hospice Final Payment Rule

The Hospice FY2021 Final Wage Index and Payment Rate Update from CMS is summarized in this post with changes for Hospice providers. The new regulations will be effective on October 1, 2020. The overall economic impact of this final rule is estimated to be $540 million in increased payments to hospices for FY2021. HPS is working to keep Hospices informed of all the details related to the changes with the 2021 Final Rule.

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COVID-19: Interim Final Rule & What It Means for Home Health

There have been two Interim Final Rules, the most recent on May 1, that have been issued by CMS during this historic pandemic of the century. This Public Health Emergency (PHE) has taken the full focus of national officials and in the process, there have been sweeping concessions for healthcare, some permanent and others temporary.

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COVID-19: Imperative Home Health and Hospice Updates

This article was last updated on May 7, 2020.

As we are facing the pandemic of the century, home health and hospices are on the frontline of this Public Health Emergency (PHE) along with hospitals, physicians and all other healthcare workers. We at Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc. would like to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your true dedication to treating patients and helping the world to be a healthier place. HPS is dedicated to providing the Home Health and Hospice industries with the education and resources necessary to keep you performing at the highest level of success.

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8 Major Changes Outlined in the FY2020 Hospice Wage Index Update

The FY2020 Hospice Wage Index & Payment Rate Update & HQRP Proposed Rule presents significant changes to rates and election statements. This proposed rule needs our full attention and comments! Please do your part and comment by the deadline stated in this article.

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Required Hospice GIP Documentation

General Inpatient (GIP) Care is one of the four levels of care available to patients who elect the Medicare Hospice Benefit. When may GIP level of care be appropriate? When is it NOT appropriate to use GIP level of care?

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New Hospice Comprehensive Assessment Measure added to Hospice Compare

The NEW Hospice Comprehensive Assessment Measure takes these 7 individual measures and combines them into a single metric. This measure is an “all-or-none” measure, which means that in order to receive credit, the hospice must successfully complete ALL 7 care processes for which the patient is eligible.

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Hospice Item Added to OIG Work Plan – Protecting Medicare Hospice Beneficiaries from Harm

The OIG released a hospice portfolio report Vulnerabilities in the Medicare Hospice Program Affect Quality Care and Program Integrity in July of 2018, identifying vulnerabilities in the Medicare Hospice Program and made 16 recommendations to CMS to strengthen the hospice program.

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Hospice HEART Update

The retooling of the Hospice Evaluation and Assessment Reporting Tool (HEART) is a significant development. CMS has been moving rather expeditiously on the HEART tool, and it is believed the tool is one of the key components necessary for future changes in hospice including payment refinement.

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Hospice Utilization & Payment Public Use File

CMS is proposing to add Hospice Utilization and Payment Public Use File (Hospice PUF) data to Hospice Compare. The PUF data is derived primarily from hospice claims and the most current PUF data is from FY2015. The data would be in a segregated section of Compare as it contains information about hospice payments and utilization not quality measures.

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Hospice FY2019 Proposed Rule – Payment and Quality Reporting Program

The FY 2019 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements proposed rule was recently made available. Of concern is the fact that CMS found 66% of hospice cost reports would have been rejected had certain edits been in place. Check back soon for future blog articles containing more detailed information about the quality reporting program updates and comments in the proposed rule.

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Hospice Quality Measure Reports Available

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that corrections have been made to the hospice quality measure reports available in CASPER and are now ready for viewing. It has come to our attention that some hospices are not aware of these reports and are not accessing them and are missing out on valuable information. To get started with CASPER…

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Hospice MedPAC Report to Congress

Each year the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) submits its annual report to Congress which contains information and recommendations related to Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) programs. This article details the 2018 annual report recommendations for Hospice.

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CAHPS – Home Health & Hospice

Are you monitoring the agency’s CAHPS results? There are numerous questions on the survey that the patients must complete, but only selected ones go into the outcome measure calculations. Home Health CAHPS results have been reported on the Home Health Compare website for quite some time, while the results for the CAHPS Hospice Survey just began being public reported on Hospice Compare 02/22/18. One of the lowest scoring…

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Hospice General Inpatient Care

CMS continues to be concerned about hospice over utilization and hospice underutilization of the general inpatient (GIP) level of care. Are hospices providing access to all four levels of hospice care (routine home care, general inpatient care, respite care and continuous home care)?

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Hospice Compare Site Now Live

On August 16, 2017 the long-awaited Hospice Compare site went live. The Compare site is part of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). CMS uses Compare sites as part of the quality programs for various provider types. All are similar in that they offer a snapshot of the quality of care provided to patients that is available to the public.

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2018 Hospice Final Rule & NOE Electronic Submission

Late Tuesday, August 1, 2017 the final hospice rule – FY 2018 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements – was posted. The rule contains the FY2018 finalized payment rates, aggregate cap, and hospice quality reporting changes. On July 27, 2017 CMS released Transmittal 3813/Change Request (CR) 10064 – Accepting Hospice Notices of Election via Electronic Data Interchange. Hospices will be happy to hear…

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Hospice Quality Reporting Update

There have been several updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) recently, most notably that CMS has provided notifications to hospices that were determined to be non-compliant with HQRP requirements for calendar year (CY) 2016, which will affect their fiscal year (FY) 2018 Annual Payment Update (APU). The non-compliance notification letters are dated July 18, 2017 and were sent via the US postal service and are also available in CASPER.  The CASPER letter also identifies…

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Hospice Proposed Rule

In addition to the proposed changes for hospice providers CMS included proposed changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting program (HH QRP) to resume in the reporting for January 2022. The proposed rule for hospice and home health QRP is summarized in today’s blog.

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