Hospice QRP Announcements & Spotlight
Hospice QRP Announcements & Spotlight
About this Page
The Announcements & Spotlight web page provides recent news and updates pertinent to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). On this page, you will find announcements about newly posted resource guides and factsheets, available Quarterly Update documents, and Annual Payment Updates (APU) updates, among other notifications.
Updates
September 19, 2023
Important Updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)
Swingtech sends informational messages to hospices related to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on a quarterly basis. Their latest outreach communication can be found on the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices web page. If you want to receive Swingtech’s quarterly emails, add or update the email addresses to which these messages are sent by sending an email to QRPHelp@swingtech.com. Be sure to include the name of your facility and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested updates.
August 30, 2023
Care Compare Quarterly Refresh – August 2023
The August 2023 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare.
For additional information, please see the FY2023 Hospice Wage Index Final Rule at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Hospice-Center. Please visit the Hospice Background and Announcements webpage to review the Claims-Based Measures Questions and Answers downloadable (PDF) for more information on the HCI and HVLDL.
August 16, 2023
NOW AVAILABLE IN QIES – Hospice Preview Reports for the November 2023 Refresh
Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application. Once released in CASPER, providers will have 30 days during which to review their quality measure results. Although the actual “preview period” is 30 days, the reports will continue to be available for another 30 days, or a total of 60 days. The preview period for the latest Provider Preview Report lasts from August 16, 2023 to September 15, 2023. CMS encourages providers to download and save their Hospice Provider Preview Reports for future reference, as they will no longer be available in CASPER after this 60-day period.
Learn more about the Provider Preview Report (HIS and Claims-based measures) here and about the CAHPS Preview Report here. Hospice QRP Key Dates for Providers can be found here. The 3rd Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet is available here.
August 7, 2023
The HQRP Quarterly Q&A for Q2 2023 is now available. This Q&A includes selected questions received by the Hospice Quality Help Desk during the first quarter of 2023 (April 1 to June 30). A link to the document can be found in the Downloads section of the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices page.
July 28, 2023
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update, Hospice Conditions of Participation Updates, Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements, and Hospice Certifying Physician Provider Enrollment Requirements Proposed Rule (CMS-1787-F)
On July 28, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1787-F) that provides updates to the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). This rule includes updates on HOPE, future quality measures, and provides updates to the Hospice CAHPS Survey mode experiment. Finally, CMS is codifying the hospice data submission thresholds for the HQRP and providing updates to hospice survey and enforcement procedures special focus program (SFP).
The final rule went on display at the Federal Register and will be available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current
For further information, see the hospice webpage here: http://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider- Type/Hospice-Center.html.
July 20, 2023
Hospice Quality Reporting Program: Non-Compliance Notifications
CMS is providing notifications to hospices that were determined to be out of compliance with Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) requirements for calendar year (CY) 2022, which will affect their fiscal year (FY) 2024 Annual Payment Update (APU). Non-compliance notifications will be distributed by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and will be placed into hospices’ CASPER folders in QIES on July 20, 2023. Hospices that receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than 11:59 pm, August 18, 2023. If you receive a notice of non-compliance and would like to request a reconsideration, see the instructions in your notification and on the Reconsideration Requests webpage.
Please note: Any reconsideration containing protected health information (PHI) will not be processed. All PHI must be removed in order for a reconsideration to be reviewed.
June 23, 2023
Important Updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)
Swingtech sends informational messages to hospices related to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on a quarterly basis. Their latest outreach communication can be found on the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices web page. If you want to receive Swingtech’s quarterly emails, add or update the email addresses to which these messages are sent by sending an email to QRPHelp@swingtech.com. Be sure to include the name of your facility and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested updates.
June 5, 2023
NOW AVAILABLE IN QIES – Hospice Preview Reports for the August 2023 Refresh
Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application. Once released in CASPER, providers will have 30 days during which to review their quality measure results. Although the actual “preview period” is 30 days, the reports will continue to be available for another 30 days, or a total of 60 days. The preview period for the latest Provider Preview Report lasts from May 24, 2023 to June 23, 2023. CMS encourages providers to download and save their Hospice Provider Preview Reports for future reference, as they will no longer be available in CASPER after this 60-day period.
Learn more about the Provider Preview Report (HIS and Claims-based measures) here and about the CAHPS Preview Report here. Hospice QRP Key Dates for Providers can be found here. The 3rd Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet is available here.
June 5, 2023
Care Compare Quarterly Refresh – May 2023
The May 2023 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare.
For additional information, please see the FY2023 Hospice Wage Index Final Rule at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Hospice-Center. Please visit the Hospice Background and Announcements webpage to review the Claims-Based Measures Questions and Answers downloadable (PDF) for more information on the HCI and HVLDL.
May 30, 2023
UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Introduction to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Web-Based Training
This resource has been updated and can be accessed through the HQRP Training and Education Library.
May 25, 2023
The HQRP Quarterly Q&A for Q1 2023 is now available. This Q&A includes selected questions received by the Hospice Quality Help Desk during the first quarter of 2023 (January 1 to March 31). A link to the document can be found in the Downloads section of the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices page.
May 24, 2023
Home Health & Hospice Health Equity Technical Expert Panel Report
CMS has released the Home Health & Hospice Health Equity Technical Expert Panel (TEP) Report. This report provides a summary of the TEP’s input on options for health equity measurement in the home health and hospice care settings. Specific topics include: health equity in hospice and home health, social determinants of heath, disparities in access to care and quality of care, and health equity measurement and monitoring.
The Home Health & Hospice Health Equity TEP Report is available in the “Related Links” section of the Hospice QRP Health Equity webpage.
March 31, 2023
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update, Hospice Conditions of Participation Updates, Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements, and Hospice Certifying Physician Provider Enrollment Requirements Proposed Rule (CMS-1787-P)
On March 31, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (CMS-1787-P) that provides updates to the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). This rule includes updates on HOPE and future quality measures, CMS efforts to close the health equity gap as it relates to last year’s request for information (RFI), and provides updates to the Hospice CAHPS Survey mode experiment. Finally, this rule proposes to codify hospice data submission thresholds and discusses updates to hospice survey and enforcement procedures special focus program (SFP).
The proposed rule went on display at the Federal Register and will be available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current
For further information, see the hospice webpage here: http://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider- Type/Hospice-Center.html.
March 30, 2023
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: HQRP CAHPSâ Hospice Survey – Care Compare Data Refresh Schedule
This resource can be accessed through the Public Reporting: Key Dates for Providers page.
March 23, 2023
Important Updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)
Swingtech sends informational messages to hospices related to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on a quarterly basis. Their latest outreach communication can be found on the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices web page. If you want to receive Swingtech’s quarterly emails, add or update the email addresses to which these messages are sent by sending an email to QRPHelp@swingtech.com. Be sure to include the name of your facility and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested updates.
February 15, 2023
Care Compare Quarterly Refresh – February 2023
The February 2023 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare.
For additional information, please see the FY 2023 Hospice Wage Index Final Rule at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Hospice-Center. Please visit the Hospice Background and Announcements web page to review the Claims-Based Measures Questions and Answers downloadable (PDF) for more information on the HCI and HVLDL.
NOW AVAILABLE IN QIES – Hospice Preview Reports for the May 2023 Refresh
Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application. Once released in CASPER, providers will have 30 days during which to review their quality measure results. Although the actual “preview period” is 30 days, the reports will continue to be available for another 30 days, or a total of 60 days. The preview period for the latest Provider Preview Report lasts from February 15, 2023 to March 17, 2023. CMS encourages providers to download and save their Hospice Provider Preview Reports for future reference, as they will no longer be available in CASPER after this 60-day period.
Learn more about the Provider Preview Report (HIS and Claims-based measures) here and about the CAHPS Preview Report here. Hospice QRP Key Dates for Providers can be found here. The 3rd Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet is available here.
January 20, 2023
HQRP Quarterly Update for 4th Quarter of 2022 is Available
The Hospice Quarterly Update for the fourth quarter of 2022 is now available. This update includes Hospice Quality Reporting Program highlights from October to December 2022, events and engagement opportunities for the first quarter of 2023 (January – March 2023), and selected questions and answers from the Hospice Quality Help Desk. Please navigate to the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices page to download this document.
December 22, 2022
Important Updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)
Swingtech sends informational messages to hospices related to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on a quarterly basis. Their latest outreach communication can be found on the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices web page. If you want to receive Swingtech’s quarterly emails, add or update the email addresses to which these messages are sent by sending an email to QRPHelp@swingtech.com. Be sure to include the name of your facility and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested updates.
December 16, 2022
Updated Information Gathering Report for Hospice Quality Reporting Program
CMS has released the Hospice Quality Reported Program 2022 Information Gathering Reporting. This report provides information from literature reviews and expert interviews that supports expansion of the hospice quality reporting program. Specific topics include: health equity in hospice access and enrollment, health equity in hospice care, and recent hospice quality research.
The updated Information Gathering Report is available in the Downloads section of the Provider and Stakeholder Engagement web page.
November 23, 2022
Care Compare Quarterly Refresh – November 2022
The November 2022 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare.
For additional information, please see the FY 2023 Hospice Wage Index Final Rule at https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Type/Hospice-Center. Please visit the Hospice Background and Announcements website to review the Claims-Based Measures Questions and Answers downloadable (PDF) for more information on the HCI and HVLDL.
November 9, 2022
NOW AVAILABLE IN QIES - Preview Reports for the February 2023 Refresh
Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application. Once released in CASPER, providers will have 30 days during which to review their quality measure results. Although the actual “preview period” is 30 days, the reports will continue to be available for another 30 days, or a total of 60 days. The preview period for the latest Provider Preview Report lasts from November 9, 2022 to December 9, 2022. CMS encourages providers to download and save their Hospice Provider Preview Reports for future reference, as they will no longer be available in CASPER after this 60-day period.
Learn more about the Provider Preview Report (HIS and Claims-based measures) here and about the CAHPS Preview Report here. Hospice QRP Key Dates for Providers can be found here. The 3rd Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet is available here.
October 26, 2022
Care Compare Off-Cycle Refresh – October 2022
An off-cycle October 2022 Refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) is now available on Care Compare.
The HQRP and the Hospice Care Index (HCI) informational videos are now available to be viewed on Care Compare. References to Hospice APU Compliance have been removed from Care Compare.
October 25, 2022
Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) September Forum Materials Available Now
On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the September 2022 HQRP Forum to provide information on the Fiscal Year 2023 Hospice Final Rule, recent public reporting activity, and additional HQRP updates. Materials from this HQRP Forum, including a recording of the presentation, are now available in the Downloads section of the Provider and Stakeholder Engagement web page.
October 21, 2022
HQRP Quarterly Update for 3rd Quarter of 2022 is Available
The Hospice Quarterly Update for the third quarter of 2022 is now available. This update includes Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) highlights from July to September 2022, events and engagement opportunities for the fourth quarter of 2022 (October – December 2022), and selected questions and answers from the Hospice Quality Help Desk. Please navigate to the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices page to download this document.
October 18, 2022
Post-Acute Care (PAC) Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) Demographic Data Transition
Historically provider demographic data have been maintained in the Automated Survey Processing Environment (ASPEN) software; however, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be transitioning to use the demographic information from Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS). While this transition is underway, a final date when all demographic data will be obtained from PECOS has not been identified. During this transition, all Post-Acute Care (PAC) providers will be responsible to ensure their latest demographic data are updated and available in both ASPEN (SNF/NFs, IRFs, and LTCHs) or iQIES (HHAs and Hospices) and PECOS systems.
A referencing document that outlines the steps each PAC provider should follow can be accessed in the Downloads section of the Help Desks web page. Should you have questions regarding this updated process, please contact the iQIES help desk by email at iQIES@cms.hhs.gov or by phone at (800) 339-9313.
September 14, 2022
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Third Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet
The purpose of the Third Edition HQRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet is to help providers understand public reporting for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) in the midst of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).
This resource can be accessed through the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices page.
September 14, 2022
UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: HQRP Acronym List
This resource has been revised. The updated Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Acronym List can be accessed through the HQRP Training and Education Library.
September 7, 2022
Register Now: CMS Hospice Quality Reporting Program September Forum
Registration for the September 28, 2022 Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Forum is now open! In this webinar, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will share updates related to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Hospice Final Rule, recent Public Reporting activity, and other updates related to HQRP. Please visit the Provider and Stakeholder Engagement web page for additional details, including the registration link.
September 06, 2022
CMS Announces New Openings for Hospices to Participate in Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) Beta Test
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and their contractor, Abt Associates, are recruiting additional Medicare-certified hospice providers to participate in a beta test of the draft hospice patient assessment instrument called Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE). Recruitment is ongoing. Training will occur on a rolling basis. Data collection begins when training is completed and continues until the target number of HOPE assessments are completed, which we anticipate will be early fall 2022. The detailed recruitment announcement is available on CMS’s Hospice QRP Provider and Stakeholder Engagement web page. Those interested in participating should email HOPETesting@abtassoc.com. The HOPE development work is conducted under CMS contract number 75FCMC18D0014 and task order number 75FCMC19F0001.
Page Last Modified:
09/19/2023 08:24 AM