HospiceScout

HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COAST

OtherJoint Commission (JCAHO) AccreditedFreestanding Hospice

Provider Information

Address
2525 PIO PICO DRIVE, SUITE 301
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
Ownership Type
Other
Medicare Certified Since
July 22, 1999

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CMS Quality Ratings

Overall Rating

Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.

Quality of Care

Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.

Patient Satisfaction

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

Staffing breakdown for HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COAST
RoleStaff Count
Registered Nurses (RN)26
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)9
Volunteers12

70

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 HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COAST reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.

Short-term inpatient care
Provided 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.

Type of inpatient care
Both general inpatient care and respite care

Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2019.

Care Details from Medicare Data

Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COAST compares to hospices nationwide.

11.2 minutes

of nurse care per routine home care day, on average

That is the 38th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.

192

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 day11.2 min

    Ranks better than about 38% 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 weekends9.6%

    Ranks better than about 67% 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 life96.3%

    Ranks better than about 73% 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 visits65.1%

    Ranks better than about 33% 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 care3.1%

    Ranks better than about 72% 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 months50.3%

    Ranks better than about 17% 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 care9.2%

    Ranks better than about 39% 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 hospice1%

    Ranks better than about 50% 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)92nd 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$21,388 · 68th 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 73% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
  • Pain screening99.1%
  • Pain assessment100%
  • Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
  • Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
  • Treatment preferences discussed100%
  • Beliefs and values discussed99.9%
  • Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
  • Visits in the last days of life73%
  • All care steps completed98.5%

Conditions of patients in their care

Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.

  • Cancer30%
  • Dementia24%
  • Heart and circulatory disease22%
  • Lung and respiratory disease7%
  • Stroke8%
  • Other conditions11%

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.

Hospice of the North Coast in Carlsbad

Hospice of the North Coast serves families in Carlsbad, California, and the surrounding San Diego area. This provider offers end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, and support. Their team works to manage symptoms so patients can spend meaningful time with their loved ones. They provide essential services to help those facing a life-limiting illness. Choosing a local provider helps ensure that care teams are nearby when you need them most. This hospice team is dedicated to supporting both the patient and their family throughout the care journey.

About Hospice of the North Coast

Hospice of the North Coast has been Medicare certified since July 22, 1999. This long history shows a commitment to meeting federal standards for hospice care. As an organization under 'Other' ownership, they operate with a focus on providing specific care services to the community. When researching a provider, it is helpful to look at their history and how they serve the local region. Families should know that this provider has a long track record of service in San Diego County. They have been active in the community for over two decades. This experience can provide peace of mind for families navigating difficult decisions. You can reach their office at 2525 Pio Pico Drive, Suite 301, in Carlsbad to learn more about their specific care programs and how they can assist your loved one during this time.

Quality Performance

Hospice of the North Coast holds a 5/5 star overall rating from Medicare. They also earned a 5/5 star rating for their quality of care. These high marks show that the provider excels at managing patient pain and symptoms based on federal data.

Understanding Hospice Care in Carlsbad

Hospice care is a special way to support people with serious illnesses. It focuses on comfort rather than a cure. In Carlsbad, many families choose hospice to help their loved ones stay at home. Care teams usually include doctors, nurses, and social workers. They visit the home to check on the patient and provide support to the family. This care helps reduce stress during a hard time. It also ensures that the patient feels comfortable and safe. Understanding how these services work can help you make the best choice for your family. You deserve a team that listens to your needs and respects your wishes. Many providers in San Diego County offer similar services, but each team has a different approach. Take your time to talk with them about how they can support your unique situation and provide the care your loved one deserves.

What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider

Choosing the right hospice team is a big decision for your family. Use these questions to help you feel more confident about your choice:

  • How quickly can your team come to our home if we have an emergency?
  • What specific services do you offer to support family members and caregivers?
  • How do you handle pain management and comfort for your patients?
  • Can you tell me about the experience and training of your nursing staff?

Asking these questions helps you learn how a provider will treat your loved one. It is important to find a team that feels like a good fit for your family. Do not feel rushed when you talk to them. You are allowed to ask for clarity on any part of their care plan. A good hospice provider will be happy to answer your questions and help you understand how they can best serve your specific needs during this time.

Preserve Your Family Stories

Your family history is a beautiful gift. We offer tools to help you capture and save precious memories and stories during this important time.

Start Preserving Memories

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Helpful Guides for Families

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.