Hospice Compare - New Medicare Quality Scores Tool

This week, Medicare launched a new website called Hospice Compare.



Scores reveal the percentage of patients who:

1. Were checked for pain at the beginning of hospice care.


2. Received a timely and thorough pain assessment when pain was identified as a problem.


3. Were checked for shortness of breath at the beginning of hospice care.


4. Received timely treatment for shortness of breath.


5. Were taking opioid pain medication and who were offered care for opioid-related constipation.


6. Were asked about treatment preferences such as hospitalization and resuscitation at the beginning of hospice care.


7. Were asked about their beliefs and values at the start of hospice care.

This transparency and public reporting will help families make informed choices and will motivate providers t improve their services.