As we move into the implementation of the HOPE assessment, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of a few key items to keep in mind. The HOPE assessment takes effect on October 1, and you should have secured your logins and user details in the iQIES system to ensure a smooth transition without any issues.
Be sure you are prepared to test the transmission of HOPE. While you may already have access to the iQIES system, it will not be available for use until October 1. We strongly recommend completing a few HOPE assessments on October 1 or 2, as you admit patients, so you can promptly test those transmissions.
Additionally, confirm with your EMR vendor that the required software is in place to extract HOPE files for transmission. Also, be sure you have the most recent guidance manual that was released in April. Although it’s been several months, some may have overlooked that update.
We are actively monitoring updates related to HOPE and continue to create educational resources. If you need support in preparing your staff for the HOPE assessment, please feel free to contact HPS. For HPS Alliance members, we have recently updated our webinar, “The Hospice HOPE Tool – Be Prepared for HOPE Success”, which is available for viewing by clicking here.
If you are not yet an Alliance member, we encourage you to consider joining. For those who are not, HPS will also be offering a free webinar on the HOPE tool during the fourth quarter of this year as we continue to monitor its implementation.
If you encounter any problems with iQIES transmission, be sure to contact the help desk right away. They will be monitoring for issues, and it’s important to address them promptly so that any system errors do not impact the inclusion of the fourth quarter in the Hospice Quality Reporting Program.
Currently, HOPE transmissions must be submitted within 30 days of the appropriate date to remain compliant with the Hospice Quality Reporting Program. If you experience any transmission issues, be sure to report them to the iQIES help desk immediately.
Remember, if you encounter any challenges with the implementation of HOPE, please report them to the help desk. For any other assistance regarding HOPE that HPS might be able to help with, please feel free to reach out to us.
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