Understanding Quality Measures in Hospice Care

This guide details the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), which evaluates hospice providers' responses to the needs of patients, families, and caregivers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the measures used in the HQRP, including the Hospice Care Index (HCI), Hospice Visits in the Last Days of Life (HVLDL), Hospice Item Set (HIS), and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS). The document outlines how these measures are reported publicly and the implications for hospices that fail to submit quality data, including potential Medicare reimbursement reductions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and monitoring these quality measures to ensure compliance and improve care quality. The guide also describes the specific criteria and processes involved in each measure, including the assessment of care provided during critical periods, such as a patient's last days of life, and the comprehensive assessment at admission, which is essential for tracking patient outcomes effectively.