2026 January Coffee Chat-January Coffee Chat Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The HMDCB hosted its first 2024 coffee chat focusing on hospice care updates, especially the new Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool, effective October 1, 2025. Speakers Dr. Thomas Caprio and Abby O'Grady provided comprehensive insights into the HOPE measures, which replace the older Hospice Item Set (HIS) data collection, aiming to enhance quality reporting, support future payment models, and inform quality improvement. HOPE captures patient data electronically at admission and at multiple points within the first 30 days of hospice care, including symptom follow-ups triggered by moderate or severe symptom impacts across nine categories.<br /><br />The implementation challenges were discussed, particularly integrating HOPE into electronic medical records, which varied by platform and organization, sometimes causing workflow stress. Follow-ups by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) were addressed, noting state-specific scope of practice limitations, especially regarding assessments versus screenings. The need for better communication among hospice teams and between hospice and PACE programs was highlighted.<br /><br />Speakers emphasized the clinical value of HOPE, leading to earlier, more proactive symptom management and increased visits, improving patient support and potentially survey scores. Questions about telehealth's role and regulatory nuances were covered, noting current limitations on virtual visits for HOPE measures.<br /><br />Additionally, discussions addressed selecting primary terminal diagnoses when patients do not fit clear hospice criteria, urging clinical judgment supported by robust documentation beyond ICD-10 coding to justify eligibility.<br /><br />The session concluded with encouragement to engage with upcoming webinars and volunteer opportunities, fostering continued education and collaboration in hospice care.

Keywords

HMDCB

2024 coffee chat

hospice care updates

Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool

Hospice Item Set (HIS) replacement

quality reporting

electronic medical records integration

licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

symptom management

telehealth limitations