Empassion Health’s Post

In the 2024 home health final rule, the hospice special focus program (SFP) and the "36-month" rule for changing ownership were both finalized. After reading the entire final rule and the algorithms for selecting the lowest performing 10%, I can see how confusing this can be for providers. Does your hospice have a plan? https://okt.to/lu9BE8

One of many use cases for the need for improved interoperability to improve data and information sharing around, resource allocation, service provided, and long-term outcomes. (Krause, J 2023) “This final rule discusses the comments received regarding information related to the provision of higher levels of hospice care; spending patterns for non-hospice services provided during the election of the hospice benefit; ownership transparency; equipping patients and caregivers with information to inform hospice selection; and ways to examine health equity under the hospice benefit.” #DxF #TEFCA #CMS

CMS has released the 2025 Proposed Hospice Rule, starting the process to set hospice rates and quality regulations. While the 2.6% proposed rate seems to be inadequate as costs increase, there are many other updates to pay attention to. The HOPE Tool will finally be implemented, changing how the Hospice Quality Reporting Program works. The CAHPS survey will be revised, including a new on-line survey option. And CMS is looking into the costs of concurrent treatment, as well as health equity, SDOH, and quality metrics, giving us a hint at what may be changing in the future. https://lnkd.in/eSt9vv9m

The value of hospice in the health care ecosystem to patients, families, health care systems and payors is understated. A good overview of the benefits to multiple stakeholders.

🏥 Striking the Balance: Regulation and Patient Care in Healthcare 💼✨ The rise in bad actors in the hospice industry has lead to a call for increased government oversight of hospice accrediting agencies. Will this impact the ability of accrediting agencies "to be agile, adaptable and encourage innovation and excellence in care." Hospice agencies have long been faced with this same challenge - the burden of finding an equilibrium between oversight and quality of care in hospice services. Let's continue to advocate for a balanced approach to hospice oversight, where patient services and quality of care remain at the forefront. https://bit.ly/3JLVOAE #hospice #regulation # #innovation

Great article from Hospice News on how hospice providers can leverage their quality care performance data to transform the conversations and partnerships they have with referrers and payers!

This thoughtful article provides a roadmap for smaller independent practices for success in the value-based care (VBC) market. It is really appropriate for hospice, primary care, and all of the post acute systems. Acclivity can help you connect with others - ask me how! https://okt.to/spGzRr

Exciting news today from CMS leaders who acknowledge the importance of primary care to accountable care success: "The Innovation Center is thus exploring testing models and features to support Shared Savings Program ACOs in increasing investments in primary care services. This could include ACO-based primary care model tests that provide prospective payments that reduce reliance on fee-for-service and that support innovations in care delivery that meet beneficiary needs and increase access to advanced primary care in underserved communities." #primarycare #valuebasedcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services https://lnkd.in/gqKFKWwH

The MedPAC recommendation to freeze Hospice payment increases in 2025 was based on the rationale "payment levels were “favorable,” due to increases in utilization and length of stay, sufficient access to capital, investor interest in the space and margin data." The rationale does not seem to take into account that much Hospice care is delivered by VNAs, not-for-profit health systems and other small agencies that do not have access to capital, nor are a target for investment due to their mission. https://lnkd.in/eRmvzGwZ

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, advancements are continuously made to enhance patient care and outcomes. One such breakthrough on the horizon is the impending implementation of the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool. This innovative tool promises to revolutionize the way hospice care is delivered and evaluated, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs. The HOPE tool is a comprehensive assessment and evaluation system designed specifically for hospice care settings. Developed through collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, researchers, and technology experts, this tool aims to address several key objectives: enhanced patient-centered care, improved outcomes measurement, streamlined documentation, facilitation of research and quality improvement initiatives. The implementation of the HOPE tool is poised to yield a wide range of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers alike, including improved symptom management, enhanced care coordination, empowered decision-making, and greater transparency and accountability. https://lnkd.in/e8kStpUH #HOPE NHPCO Hospice and Palliative Care Organization National Association for Home Care & Hospice Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services#hospice #qualityimprovement #2025 #focused #improvement #healthcare #stridesinhealthcare #industryimprovement