The CMS‑mandated moratorium has created understandable concern across the care at home industry, but for existing providers the moratorium creates a rare opportunity to strengthen their position in the market and prepare for accelerated growth once enrollment reopens. With very few new organizations entering the field, leaders can use this period to refine operations, elevate care quality, and invest in tools and strategies that will set them apart in a post moratorium landscape.
Evaluating Organizational Practices and Operational Readiness
One of the most valuable opportunities leaders can lean into during this period is by taking a comprehensive look at organizational operations. Raianne Melton, Senior Director of Clinical Services for Professional Services at Axxess, advised leaders to conduct a full assessment of where they excel and where improvement is needed.
Resources like the Home Health Moratorium ebook and the Hospice Moratorium ebook provide organizations with the necessary steps and strategies to evaluate their business in its current state and identify areas for operational growth. This kind of introspection enables organizations to emerge from the moratorium stronger, more efficient, and better prepared for the future.
Performance metrics also play a critical role in shaping growth strategies. While all metrics matter, organizations should take this time to take a deeper look at patient survey responses to understand how patients and families perceive their care.
“I think that focusing on the patient engagement survey, CAHPS, is going to direct organizations in the way they need to go in terms of evaluating the services they’re providing,” said Melton.
Strengthening Brand Reputation and Referral Relationships
Leaders should also use this period to improve their brand reputation and build referral relationships.
“This is a great time to work on building a strong brand and reputation,” said Melton.
With no new organizations entering the market, leaders can focus on showcasing what makes their care services stand out and reinforce their reputation with referral partners who value reliability, excellence in compliance, and consistency.
“You’ll really want to start thinking about what features or services you provide are outstanding,” said Melton. “That will really help you build your brand reputation. For instance, a hospice or home health provider that practices Age-Friendly Care.”
Pairing high-quality patient experiences and retention with unique, innovative care services will be a powerful differentiator for organizations once the moratorium is lifted and competition resumes.
Using Technology to Enhance Compliance and Reduce Errors
Technology adoption, and more importantly, partnering with the right technology partner, plays a central role in helping organizations optimize operations during the moratorium. Leaders should look to technology partners that have designed their solutions to support compliance, streamline documentation and eliminate duplication. By adopting regulatory-compliant technology now, organizations can reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.
A technology partner that offers predictive analytics also offers organizations an advantage during this period of increased oversight. Axxess intelligence® capabilities like predicting symptom exacerbation, hospitalization risk and end-of-life risk help leaders anticipate patient needs and intervene earlier. These proactive insights strengthen care delivery, and support retention and reputation, turning this moratorium period into a solid foundation for long term growth.
“By increasing your care, you increase your reimbursement due to the service intensity add-on in hospice,” said Melton. “If you’re using these tools and you can predict who’s going to have a crisis and you’re ahead of that crisis, that’s building brand reputation.”
Axxess is committed to helping providers stay ahead of regulatory changes with timely insights, expert guidance, and the technology needed to navigate an evolving healthcare landscape.
