27 Apr Major Changes for Hospice: HOPE Assessment to Replace Hospice HIS
Medicare retiring the Hospice Item Set & replacing it with Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment
Starting October 1, 2025, a major shift is coming to the world of hospice care. Medicare is officially retiring the Hospice Item Set (HIS) and replacing it with the new Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment. This transition marks one of the most significant regulatory changes for hospice agencies in recent years, and it will require agencies to adapt their workflows, documentation practices, and technology platforms to stay compliant and deliver the best care possible.
What Is Changing?
For years, the Hospice Item Set (HIS) has been the cornerstone of quality reporting for hospice providers. HIS was primarily focused on specific care processes, collected at admission and discharge. However, HIS had limitations – it didn’t offer much insight into how a patient’s needs evolved during their time in hospice care.
The new HOPE assessment is designed to address these gaps. Instead of a simple “start and end” view, HOPE collects data at multiple points throughout the patient’s hospice journey. It places greater emphasis on real-time patient needs, care planning, and symptom management. In short, HOPE aims to create a more detailed and holistic understanding of each patient’s hospice experience.
How This Change Affects Hospice Agencies
The transition from HIS to HOPE is not just a small administrative update — it will impact almost every aspect of hospice operations:
- Increased Assessment Demands: Agencies will need to collect and submit more detailed data across a broader timeline. This could increase the time clinicians spend on documentation unless supported by efficient tools.
- Focus on Outcomes: HOPE emphasizes patient outcomes and ongoing needs. Agencies will need to demonstrate how they are addressing evolving symptoms, emotional well-being, and patient preferences in real-time, not just at discrete intervals.
- Training and Staff Preparation: Staff will need thorough training on the new assessment structure, including new workflows, documentation requirements, and timelines.
- Technology and System Updates: Current systems designed around HIS will need to evolve quickly. Choosing the right hospice software will be critical to ensure that assessments are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Medicare’s requirements.
Why Technology Matters More Than Ever
With the HOPE assessment’s complexity, hospice agencies cannot afford to rely on outdated technology. Upgrading to modern hospice care software is essential to streamline the new documentation demands without overwhelming clinical staff. Agencies that leverage intuitive platforms will find it easier to maintain high-quality care while adapting to the regulatory shift.
Hospice providers should evaluate their current hospice EMR systems and make sure they can support the HOPE assessment structure — including tools for real-time symptom tracking, customizable care plans, and seamless data submission to Medicare. Agencies that invest in the right hospice EHR solution now will be better positioned for long-term success, regulatory compliance, and delivering the compassionate, patient-centered care that hospice is all about.
Positioning Your Agency for Success
The move from HIS to HOPE reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered, outcomes-driven care in hospice settings. Although this change presents challenges, it also creates an opportunity: hospice agencies that embrace modern tools and adapt early can enhance both the quality of care and operational efficiency.
In the months ahead, preparation will be key. With thoughtful training, updated processes, and the right hospice software in place, agencies can navigate the transition smoothly and continue providing the exceptional care their patients deserve.
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- The keys to quality improvement in hospice agencies
- Building strong partnerships with hospice stakeholders
Alora is engineered to keep Hospice agencies running at peak efficiency. From dashboards and tools tracking the most critical components of care, to our team providing you with the highest level of agency training and support, Alora’s easy to use system streamlines clinical documentation, tracks patient care, manages billing operations, and ensures regulatory compliance.
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