August 6 2025
OASIS Answers
Categories: HOPE

CMS Posts HOPE Implementation FAQs

by Marian Essey, RN, BSN, COS-C

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released updated HOPE Implementation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to support Medicare-certified hospices transitioning from the Hospice Item Set (HIS) to the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool.

These FAQs clarify key aspects of CMS HOPE requirements, including data collection timepoints, reporting expectations under the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), and operational questions related to HOPE rollout and submission through iQIES.

Topics covered in the CMS HOPE Implementation FAQs include:

Differences between HIS and the HOPE assessment process
How to complete Hospice Update Visits (HUVs) and Symptom Follow-Up Visits (SFVs)
Guidance on data collection, submission, and reporting requirements
Where to find additional CMS training and support

Hospices can view the full FAQ document on the CMS HQRP-Training and Education Library or download the PDF version from the CMS website. Questions about access should be directed to the PAC Training Mailbox, while content-related questions can be emailed to HospiceQualityQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.

For deeper support with HOPE education, accuracy, and compliance, explore OASIS Answers’ HOPE in Action training series or learn about the new CHS-C Certification for hospice providers.

Stay tuned to OASIS Answers for more information on updates to the HQRP and HOPE. Sign up for emails from OASIS Answers to receive information and updates on the issues that matter in the hospice and home health industries. Check out the OASIS Answers, HOPE in Action, webinar series, to get the latest HOPE information and guidance on the assessment items new to HOPE.

Follow OASIS Answers to keep on top of new CMS information related to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program, the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE), and more!