HOSPICE IN THE DESERT LLC
Provider Information
- Address
- 639 EAST SPEEDWAY BLVD
TUCSON, AZ 85705 - Medicare Certified Since
- September 6, 2023
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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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE IN THE DESERT LLC compares to hospices nationwide.
19.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 95th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
10
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 day19.7 min
Ranks better than about 95% 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 weekends13.6%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 life98%
Ranks better than about 86% 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 visits41.2%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 care10%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 months10%
Ranks better than about 95% 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 care10%
Ranks better than about 35% 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 hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% 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)52nd 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$10,199 · 11th 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 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 88% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment88%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- All care steps completed93.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer23%
- Dementia32%
- Other conditions23%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Tucson
HOSPICE IN THE DESERT LLC serves the Tucson area from their office on East Speedway Boulevard. This provider offers end-of-life care for patients in Pima County and surrounding areas. They have been certified by Medicare since September 2023. Families seeking hospice services in Arizona can look to this provider for support. Choosing the right care team is a major decision for any family. This provider focuses on high standards of care as measured by federal agencies. They aim to support patients and their loved ones through a difficult time. Getting the right information early helps families make the best choice possible. Their services are designed to manage symptoms and improve daily comfort for those in their care. Every patient deserves a plan that fits their specific needs and goals.
About HOSPICE IN THE DESERT LLC
Medicare certification means a provider meets strict federal safety and quality rules. HOSPICE IN THE DESERT LLC earned this status in late 2023. This certification is the standard for hospice care in the United States. It requires agencies to undergo regular checks by state and federal inspectors. These checks ensure that the agency follows rules for patient safety and medical care. Families should know that Medicare certification allows the agency to take Medicare benefits as payment. This is a standard path for most hospice providers in the country. Being certified shows a commitment to basic care standards. You can feel better knowing they meet these requirements set by the government. The agency remains focused on delivering care that meets these benchmarks. They work within the rules to provide consistent support for every family they serve. Quality matters a lot in this field.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in TUCSON?
Hospice care in Tucson brings medical support directly to where you live. This might be a private home or a care facility. A team of experts visits to manage pain and help with daily tasks. This team usually includes nurses, doctors, and aides who work together. They visit on a schedule to ensure symptoms are under control. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and at peace in their own space. Most hospice teams also have social workers to help with emotional needs. These experts provide guidance on how to manage the changes that come with end-of-life care. They are there to answer questions and offer a listening ear. Families often find that having this extra set of hands makes a real difference. You get support that covers both medical and personal needs. It is a team effort to keep everyone comfortable.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Families have a lot to consider when picking a hospice team. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can reach your home in an emergency. You should also ask about the typical size of the care team. It is good to know who will be the main person you talk to during the day. Ask how they help with pain management and symptom control. You might also want to know how they support family members with grief. Do they offer visits from volunteers or chaplains? These details help you understand if the agency is a good fit for your specific situation. Take your time to get clear answers that make you feel at ease. Your peace of mind is the priority here. Ask as many questions as you need to feel confident in your decision. It is okay to be thorough when you are choosing support.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capture the life lessons, memories, and voices of your loved ones while you can. Creating a digital record provides comfort for generations to come.
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