Navigating the Transition: How Medalogix Muse Supports Hospice Agencies in the Shift from HIS to HOPE

Authored by: Steven Shelton, MBA, MSN, RN, CHPN; Senior Director, Clinical Services

The hospice industry is no stranger to challenges. From regulatory changes to the constant need to balance operational efficiencies with the quality of life for patients, hospice providers are continually navigating a complex landscape. A significant change is coming with the transition from the Hospice Item Set (HIS) to the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) requirements as of October 1, 2025. This shift brings both opportunities and challenges for hospice agencies. Fortunately, Medalogix Muse is here to help providers stay ahead of these changes and ensure compliance while maintaining high standards of patient care.

The Challenge: Moving from HIS to HOPE

Hospice agencies have been reporting the required HIS data since mid-2014, which provide data on patient care as an element of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). However, the introduction of HOPE represents a significant shift in how data is collected and utilized. Unlike HIS, which is a data set that focuses primarily on process measures, HOPE emphasizes patient outcomes and is collected via assessment of the patient, and the quality of care provided. This transition requires hospice agencies to adapt their data collection and reporting processes to meet the new standards.

The move from HIS to HOPE is not just a matter of changing forms; it involves a fundamental shift in how hospice care is evaluated. Agencies must now shift the focus from HIS data collection to integrating the HOPE assessment tool into patient assessments and an enhanced focus on outcomes that reflect the patient’s experience and quality of life at the end of life. This shift can be daunting, as it requires new workflows, training, and a deep understanding of the new requirements to ensure compliance.

The Goals of Utilization (HOPE)

The primary goal of HOPE is to improve the quality of hospice care by providing quality data through standardized collection of data at various timepoints during the patient’s hospice journey. The HOPE data collected during the admission to hospice, as well as HOPE data collected at other timepoints, will contribute to the patient’s plan of care through standardized insights into patient quality of life impact as it relates to a specific set of symptoms. This means that hospice agencies must now demonstrate how their care impacts the patient’s quality of life.

By emphasizing outcomes, HOPE aims to ensure that hospice care is patient-centered and aligned with the needs and preferences of those receiving care. This approach encourages agencies to continuously evaluate and improve their care practices, leading to better patient experiences and outcomes.

Supporting Implementation of HOPE

Implementing the HOPE requirements is a complex process, but Medalogix Muse has designed new features to assist hospice agencies in this process. Through the user interface and advanced analytics and insights that Muse provides, agencies are better able to track patients experiencing moderate and severe symptom impact, identify patients that do not have the required HUV visits scheduled, identify the need for symptom follow-up visits, and better understand their performance related to HOPE requirements and identify areas for improvement. These additional insights will help hospice agencies inform and improve their care practices, to see how, click here to request a demo from the Medalogix team.

Fig. 1 – Muse Homepage Widget providing insight into patient’s not having required HUV visit(s) scheduled.

Fig. 2 – Patient’s requiring a SFV visit

Fig. 3 – Easy insight into potential symptom burden issues with specific indicators for symptom burden assessments with HUV visits

For additional information regarding HOPE related enhancements* to Medalogix Muse, download our guide of planned enhancements.

Supporting Compliance and Outcomes

Compliance with HOPE requirements is essential for hospice agencies, not only to meet regulatory standards but also to ensure the highest quality of care for patients. Medalogix Muse helps agencies stay compliant by providing easily accessible insights into HOPE compliance related matters such as required visits and follow-up. New features within Muse include widgets on the homepage providing direct insight into patients missing required Hospice Update Visits (HUV) between days 6-15 and the second HUV between days 16-30 of service, patients requiring a Symptom Follow-up Visit (SFV), and patients that have missed those required visits. This proactive approach to compliance ensures that agencies can address any issues before they become significant problems. Demo these features!

Beyond compliance, the ultimate goal of HOPE is to improve patient outcomes. Medalogix Muse supports this goal by providing insights that help agencies enhance their care practices. By focusing on key areas such as symptom management, patient satisfaction, and care coordination, agencies can ensure that they are providing the best possible care for their patients.

Conclusion

The transition from HIS to HOPE represents a significant change for the hospice industry, but it also offers an opportunity to improve the quality of care for patients. Medalogix Muse is a powerful tool that helps hospice agencies navigate this transition, ensuring compliance with new requirements while maintaining a focus on patient outcomes.

By providing advanced analytics, seamless integration with EHR systems, and comprehensive training and support, Muse empowers hospice agencies to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. As the industry continues to evolve, Medalogix Muse will remain a valuable partner, helping providers stay ahead of challenges and deliver the best possible care for their patients.