FIRST CALL HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 6929 SUNRISE BLVD, SUITE 180
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA 95610 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 14, 1998
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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) | 14 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 6 |
| Volunteers | 12 |
47
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 FIRST CALL HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
An older Medicare record for this hospice lists short-term inpatient care as “not provided.” That code may be out of date. Medicare requires certified hospices to make inpatient care available for symptom management and caregiver respite. Ask this hospice how it arranges a bed if symptoms become hard to manage at home.
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how FIRST CALL HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
17.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 90th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
100
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 day17.9 min
Ranks better than about 90% 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 weekends8.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits15.8%
Ranks better than about 92% 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 care1.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months54.9%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 care2.4%
Ranks better than about 75% 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$29,390 · 90th 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 44.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.2%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life44.4%
- All care steps completed98.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer17%
- Dementia22%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Lung and respiratory disease4%
- Stroke30%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About FIRST CALL HOSPICE
FIRST CALL HOSPICE provides end-of-life care for families in Citrus Heights, California. They serve patients across Sacramento County from their office on Sunrise Boulevard. Their team focuses on comfort and support for those facing a life-limiting illness. They help manage pain and offer emotional care for patients and their loved ones. Families can rely on their team to provide compassionate hospice services during a difficult time. Choosing the right care is a major step in your journey. This provider aims to make that transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
Provider Background
FIRST CALL HOSPICE is a for-profit provider. They have been certified by Medicare since July 14, 1998. This long history shows they have served the community for many years. Medicare certification means they must follow strict rules for safety and care. Families should know that this provider meets federal standards for hospice agencies. They are located at 6929 Sunrise Blvd, Suite 180, in Citrus Heights. You can reach their office by calling (916) 725-2580. Understanding a provider's background helps you feel more confident in your choice. Their longevity in the region shows a commitment to the local community and its residents.
Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Citrus Heights
Hospice care is a special way to support people with serious health needs. It focuses on quality of life rather than curing an illness. In Citrus Heights, you have access to teams that include doctors, nurses, and social workers. These experts visit you at home or in a care facility. They work together to keep patients comfortable and free from pain. Hospice also provides support for family members who are grieving. It is about living each day with dignity and peace. You deserve to have your wishes heard and respected at every stage. Finding a team that listens to your needs is the most important part of this process.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking the right hospice team can feel hard. Asking the right questions helps you make a clear decision for your family. Consider these important questions during your search:
- How quickly can a nurse get to my home if there is an emergency?
- What specific services do you offer to support family caregivers?
- How does your team handle pain and symptom management?
- Can you explain how your team communicates with my primary doctor?
Take your time when you speak with a provider. It is okay to ask for more information if you do not understand something. You should feel comfortable and heard by the staff. Trust your instincts when you meet with them. The right team will be a partner in your care journey.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. Documenting these stories brings peace to families and keeps memories alive for years to come.
Learn How to Save Your StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
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Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
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What Nearly 17,000 Hospice Inspection Reports Reveal
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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.