COMMUNITY HOSPICE OF DALE MEDICAL CENTER
Provider Information
- Address
- 311 JAMES STREET
OZARK, AL 36360 - Ownership Type
- Combination Government & Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 10, 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) | 5 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
9
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 COMMUNITY HOSPICE OF DALE MEDICAL CENTER 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
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how COMMUNITY HOSPICE OF DALE MEDICAL CENTER compares to hospices nationwide.
8.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 13th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
25
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 day8.6 min
Ranks better than about 13% 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 weekends3%
Ranks better than about 4% 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 life92.7%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 visits72.2%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 care2.9%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 months62.9%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 care5.7%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 hospice2.9%
Ranks better than about 26% 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)79th 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$16,683 · 43rd 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 50% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.8%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life50%
- All care steps completed98.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer18%
- Dementia11%
- Heart and circulatory disease37%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
- Other conditions13%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center
Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center serves residents in Ozark, Alabama, and the surrounding Dale County area. This hospice provider offers end of life care designed to keep patients comfortable and supported in their own homes. They have been certified by Medicare since May 2005. The team focuses on providing medical and emotional help during a difficult time. Choosing a local provider often makes it easier for families to get quick support when they need it most. They remain a steady presence in the Ozark medical community. Their staff works to ensure that patient needs are met with skill and care. It is a local option for those seeking hospice services in southeast Alabama.
About Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center
This hospice operates as a combination government and non-profit organization. This structure often means the provider focuses on community health outcomes rather than profit. They have maintained Medicare certification for nearly two decades. This longevity shows they have followed federal quality rules for a long time. Families should know that Medicare certification requires regular checks on how care is delivered. These checks look at how well the hospice manages pain and how they talk to families about care plans. Being a freestanding hospice allows this team to focus entirely on hospice care. They do not have to split their time with hospital or nursing home duties. This focus can lead to better outcomes for patients. The staff includes five registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. This team is ready to help your family manage symptoms and daily care needs.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in Ozark?
Hospice care in Ozark brings medical support directly to the patient. You do not have to travel to a clinic for routine help. The team comes to you. This service is designed to manage pain and improve quality of life. The staff at this location includes five registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse who handle daily needs. They work together to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Nurses manage medications and monitor physical changes. They also help family members understand what to expect. This team approach ensures that no one carries the burden of care alone. Having a local team means they can reach homes in Dale County quickly. That is helpful for families who need fast responses. The goal is always to keep the patient safe and peaceful in their own home setting.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel confident before you sign any paperwork. Ask these questions to get a clear picture of the care your loved one will receive. First, ask how quickly a nurse can reach your home during an emergency at night or on the weekend. You want to know there is always someone ready to help. Second, ask how the team will talk to your family about changes in the patient condition. Clear talk prevents worry. Third, ask what specific services they provide to help family members cope with the stress of caregiving. You deserve support too. Finally, ask if they have staff who can visit on holidays or weekends. You need to know that support is there when you need it most. Good providers are happy to answer these questions clearly and honestly.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
This time is hard, but your family history is a treasure. We can help you save your favorite memories and stories to share with future generations.
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