AFFINITY HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 117 GEMINI CIRCLE, SUITE 415
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 8, 2005
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
CMS scores as of May 2026. Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 42 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 8 |
| Physicians | 3 |
| Volunteers | 11 |
101
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what AFFINITY HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Arranged through another hospital or nursing home
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how AFFINITY HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
10.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 31st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
299
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
How this hospice compares nationally
Bars show national standing on measures from the CMS Hospice Care Index. A fuller bar means this hospice does better than more of the hospices CMS tracks.
- Nurse care minutes per home care day10.5 min
Ranks better than about 31% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The average minutes of nursing care per day for patients getting routine care at home, based on Medicare claims. More nurse time usually means more hands-on support.
- Skilled nursing on weekends7.8%
Ranks better than about 49% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of skilled nursing time delivered on Saturdays and Sundays. Symptoms do not wait for weekdays, so weekend coverage matters.
- Nurse visits in the last days of life95.4%
Ranks better than about 64% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who got nurse visits in their final days of life. This is when families tend to need the most support.
- Gaps in nursing visits36%
Ranks better than about 72% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
How often patients went more than a week without a nursing visit. Fewer gaps mean steadier attention.
- Patients discharged alive early in care4%
Ranks better than about 67% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice alive within the first week of care. A rate of 0% means it did not happen to any of their patients.
- Patients discharged alive after 6 months45%
Ranks better than about 28% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients discharged alive after six months or more in hospice care.
- Hospital transfers near the end of care18.6%
Ranks better than about 9% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, spent time in the hospital, then came back to hospice.
- Hospital stays that interrupt hospice3.1%
Ranks better than about 24% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, went to the hospital, and died there soon after.
- Days at higher levels of care (CHC or GIP)74th percentile
What this measures
The share of care days delivered at higher levels, such as continuous home care or inpatient care. Shown only as a national rank because small percentages round to zero.
- Medicare spending per patient$18,402 · 53rd percentile
What this measures
What Medicare paid per patient for this hospice's care. Higher or lower spending is not a quality judgment by itself.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 66.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.4%
- Pain assessment96.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.9%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.2%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids91.8%
- Visits in the last days of life66.2%
- All care steps completed91.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer15%
- Dementia19%
- Heart and circulatory disease29%
- Lung and respiratory disease11%
- Stroke9%
- Other conditions23%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Affinity Hospice
Affinity Hospice serves families in Birmingham, Alabama, from their office on Gemini Circle. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients facing terminal illness. As a Medicare-certified provider since 2005, they bring nearly two decades of experience to the Jefferson County area. This freestanding hospice is ready to help your loved ones when they need it most. Choosing the right partner for hospice care is a big step for your family. Affinity Hospice offers a team of professionals trained to manage pain and emotional needs. They aim to support your family during this difficult time with clear communication and steady care. It is a local option for those who want dedicated medical support at home or in a facility setting.
Understanding This Provider
Affinity Hospice operates as a for-profit organization. They have been Medicare certified since March 2005. This long history shows they have met federal standards for care over many years. Being a freestanding hospice means they focus only on these services. Their team includes 42 registered nurses and eight licensed practical nurses. They also have three physicians and 11 volunteers on staff. That is a large team working to keep your loved one comfortable. Why does certification matter? It means they follow specific rules set by the government to ensure patient safety. Families should know that this provider has a clear track record in the Birmingham region. You can feel good knowing they have been part of the local healthcare community for a long time. It is a solid foundation for care.
Quality at a Glance
Hospice Care in Birmingham
Finding the right care in Birmingham can feel like a heavy task. You want a team that knows the area and understands your needs. Affinity Hospice employs over 100 people to support their mission in the community. Their staff includes many nurses who are ready to visit your home. Having this many nurses means they can respond to changes in a patient's health quickly. That is a major benefit for families. Hospice is not just about medicine, though. It is about being there when the family needs someone to listen. The team works hard to make sure every patient feels seen and heard every single day. They focus on quality of life above all else. This approach helps families focus on spending time together rather than managing complex medical tasks on their own.
Questions for Your Hospice Search
You should feel empowered to ask questions before you pick a provider. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if an emergency happens at night. You should also ask how the team will help manage pain for your loved one. It is also wise to ask how often a volunteer or social worker will visit the home. Here is a good one to ask: How does your team handle communication with our family doctors? You need to know that everyone is on the same page. Do not be afraid to ask about their experience with specific conditions either. The goal is to find a team that fits your family's unique style and needs. Take your time with these talks. You deserve clear answers that make you feel confident in your choice.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your memories are treasures. We help you save the stories and lessons that define your family history for future generations.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
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What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
Confused by hospice star ratings? Learn how CMS calculates these scores, what they reveal about care quality, and how to find the right provider for your family.
Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.