Is Your Agency Ready for the HOPE Assessment Tool?

The CMS HOPE (Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation) Assessment Tool is almost here! Beginning October 1, 2025, HOPE will replace the Hospice Item Set (HIS) as part of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). The transition to using HOPE significantly enhances patient-centered care through standardized data collection and assessment-based quality metrics. The change was designed to help hospices assess and respond to each patient’s unique needs in a timely manner. The development of the HOPE Tool data sets involved extensive planning, testing, and stakeholder engagement in preparation for the launch of this change.

One of the most significant changes with HOPE is the introduction of HOPE Update Visits (HUVs) and Symptom Follow-Up Visits (SUVs). These visits occur after a patient elects hospice care, capturing data that will contribute directly to care planning and quality measurement under HQRP. HOPE enables standardized data collection, ensuring consistent and reliable information for compliance and quality improvement. The collection and use of HOPE data during these visits supports individualized and timely care planning helping hospices i strengthen care practices, elevate clinical outcomes, and align more closely with CMS standards.

Readiness is the difference between a smooth transition and a last-minute scramble. Whether you are just starting or already deep into planning, the key is knowing where your organization stands and what steps remain before launch day. Preparing the entire hospice team for the transition is essential to ensure everyone is ready for changes in data collection and quality reporting.

To support you, we have pulled together the essential resources you need to evaluate readiness, close gaps, and build confidence across your team. Using these resources and preparing thoroughly will contribute to the success of the HOPE implementation.

Step 1: Assess Your Organizational and Team Readiness

Before anything else, you need a clear picture of your starting point. Our readiness checklist helps you evaluate leadership roles, internal project planning, CMS training participation, and communication strategies. It also guides you in assessing your team's ability to adopt new practices related to the HOPE tool and highlights the importance of establishing new practices for successful HOPE implementation.

Download the Assessing Organizational & Team Readiness Guide »

Step 2: Identify Gaps and Build Your Plan

No organization is starting from zero, but most have areas that need attention. Identifying these gaps now helps your organization prepare for the future of hospice care, ensuring you are ready for upcoming advancements and expectations. Our gap analysis tool is a practical resource that helps you map current capabilities against CMS requirements, highlighting what is complete, what is in process, and what still needs work.

Download the HOPE Assessment Gaps Analysis Tool »

Step 3: Deepen Staff Understanding with Coaching and Support

Training is just the beginning. As go-live approaches, staff need coaching, quick-access help, and consistent feedback to ensure uniform adoption. Coaching sessions can facilitate meaningful conversations among staff about the HOPE tool and its implementation, helping them explore how to use it effectively in patient care. This resource outlines strategies for mentors, just-in-time support, and data-driven coaching, emphasizing the importance of building strong support systems so staff feel confident and prepared.

Download Are You Ready for HOPE? The Last Push to Prepare Guide »

Step 4: Get Your iQIES Account Ready

To submit HOPE assessments, providers must be registered in HCQIS and HARP. This is a critical step that cannot be skipped. If you have not done so—begin this process now! Use our guide to walk through the process, from setting up your HARP account to establishing the Provider Security Official (PSO) role. CMS recommends doing this BY September 10!

Download Registering for HOPE in HCQIS and HARP Guide »

Step 5: Tap Into External Resources

In addition to QAPIplus tools, make sure your team reviews CMS and industry guidance. These external guides provide examples of successful HOPE implementation and best practices:

• HOPE: CMS Website
• HOPE FAQ’s
• HOPE Guidance Manual

Reviewing these materials offers significant benefits, such as improving your organization's readiness, enhancing patient care quality, and understanding the positive outcomes of integrating the HOPE tool.

Why QAPIplus Is Your Plus for HOPE

Preparing for HOPE is more than checking boxes. It requires coordination across leadership, clinical staff, and operations. QAPIplus is built to support that journey, helping agencies deliver high-quality patient care, especially for those managing chronic illness, by providing:

• Readiness assessments and gap analysis tools
• Coaching and training resources
• Centralized compliance management, backed by CHAP Verified and ACHC Product Certified status

QAPIplus also plays a key role in improving medical care processes and outcomes through comprehensive support and quality improvement.

It is important to test your systems and accounts now to ensure everything functions smoothly before October 1.

QAPIplus is here to help you every step of the way, from readiness assessment through successful implementation.