Insights into CMS' CoreQ Requirement and its Impact on SNFs: What You Need to Know

As the 2024 mandate for CoreQ surveys approaches, skilled nursing facilities face the challenge of selecting the appropriate CoreQ vendor while staying ahead of the industry. This article highlights the importance of vendor selection, provides an overview of the proposed implementation timeline, and emphasizes the benefits of proactive measures before the mandate.

The History of CoreQ

AHCA/NCAL initially proposed CoreQ to “assess satisfaction among patients, residents, and their families.” Other segments of healthcare regulated by CMS have had mandated patient experience surveys for years, often known as “CAHPS” surveys: Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Medicare Advantage Plans, Hospitals, Home Health Agencies, Hospices, and more all have variations of CAHPS surveys they must administer as a component of their CMS Star Ratings. Long-term care providers were not initially required to conduct CAHPS surveys, but CMS has indicated its intention to require patient surveys for many years. The COVID outbreak delayed the program but is once again being proposed. This article has a more extensive summary of the timeline and proposal. The proposed rule is available from CMS here.

Current Practices in Transition: What's New?

Currently, five CoreQ surveys are available, and while these surveys are not universally mandated, select states, including New Jersey, Tennessee, and Georgia, have integrated the CoreQ surveys into their Medicaid quality incentive initiatives. The CoreQ surveys available now are:

• SNF Short Stay Discharge - Resident
• SNF Long Stay - Resident 
• SNF Long Stay - Family
• ALF - Resident 
• ALF - Family

As per the proposed regulation, CMS intends to initially adopt the SNF Short Stay Discharge survey for residents as a national measure within the Medicare Quality Reporting Program (QRP). This survey evaluates the satisfaction level of residents discharged from SNFs within 100 days of admission over a span of six months.

The Path to 2024

The Key to Success: Finding the right vendor

In selecting a CoreQ vendor, skilled nursing facilities must carefully evaluate several crucial factors. By considering these elements, SNFs can make an informed decision aligning with their needs and goals. Take into account the following key factors:

• Ease of Implementation: Look for a vendor that seamlessly integrates with common long-term care EHR systems (e.g., PointClickCare, MatrixCare, DeVero), simplifying data collection and submission processes.
• Proven Results: Choose a partner with a strong track record in administering CoreQ surveys, ensuring proper sample size, response rates, timely submission, and valuable insights.
• Industry Experience: Seek certified vendors with extensive experience in the skilled nursing industry. Their industry-specific expertise helps identify satisfaction drivers and recommend effective solutions.
• Comprehensive Solutions and Support: Superior vendors go beyond survey collection and submission, offering additional tools, support, and training to improve scores and address areas of opportunity.

Selecting the right CoreQ vendor and proactively staying ahead of the mandate is crucial for SNFs. By partnering with a suitable vendor, adhering to the proposed timeline, and embracing early adoption, SNFs can be well-prepared for the upcoming CoreQ mandate and position themselves for success.

Embracing Early Adoption for Maximum Benefits

Implementing CoreQ surveys early provides SNFs with several advantages:

1. Compliance and Penalty Avoidance: Early adoption ensures SNFs meet future regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties such as the potential 2% Medicare reduction rate for non-compliance. By embracing CoreQ surveys now, SNFs can ensure compliance and sidestep penalties.
2. Streamlining Implementation: Initiating CoreQ implementation ahead of time allows SNFs to navigate vendor selection, solution implementation, and staff training without the pressures of impending deadlines. It also provides the opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement before public scores are published.
3. Elevating Satisfaction Scores: CoreQ surveys provide valuable feedback from residents and their families, enabling SNFs to identify areas for improvement and enhance the quality of care. By actively addressing the needs and preferences of residents, SNFs can boost overall satisfaction, resulting in improved health outcomes and a positive reputation.
4. Enhancing Communication and Transparency: CoreQ surveys foster better communication between SNFs and residents' families. Early adoption demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability, building stakeholder trust and fostering collaboration to enhance care quality.

The Benefits of Proactive Measures

Taking proactive measures before the mandate can yield significant benefits for SNFs. By embracing CoreQ surveys early, facilities can achieve compliance and avoid penalties that may be imposed for non-compliance. The potential 2% Medicare reduction rate for non-compliant SNFs could harm financial resources, making early adoption a wise choice. Furthermore, implementing CoreQ surveys beforehand allows SNFs to streamline the entire process. Selecting a suitable vendor, implementing the necessary solutions, and training staff can be done without the pressure of impending deadlines. This proactive approach provides ample time to identify strengths and areas for improvement before public scores are published, allowing SNFs to enhance their performance and reputation. By implementing the surveys early, SNFs demonstrate a commitment to openness and accountability. This fosters trust and encourages collaboration to enhance the quality of care provided. Early adoption establishes strong relationships with residents and their families, allowing for better communication and shared decision-making.

By following the proposed timeline, leveraging the expertise of a trusted CoreQ vendor, and taking proactive measures, SNFs can navigate the CoreQ journey successfully and position themselves for continued excellence in resident satisfaction and overall care quality. The mandate presents an opportunity for SNFs to meet regulatory requirements, enhance operations, and build strong relationships with residents.

Why Cortex?

Cortex is a Senior Care Experience Management platform helping hundreds of long-term care facilities conduct patient and employee satisfaction surveys. Our team of experts will release regular communication on this blog and through our newsletter to help long-term care facilities understand the new CoreQ requirements.

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