SNOWLINE HOSPICE OF EL DORADO COUNTY-HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 6520 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD
DIAMOND SPRINGS, CA 95619 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 25, 1990
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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) | 21 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 45 |
61
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 SNOWLINE HOSPICE OF EL DORADO COUNTY-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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how SNOWLINE HOSPICE OF EL DORADO COUNTY-HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
24.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 98th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
142
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 day24.6 min
Ranks better than about 98% 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 weekends11.6%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits64.9%
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 care9.5%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 months27.4%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 care5.6%
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 hospice0.6%
Ranks better than about 54% 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$17,406 · 47th 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 66.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.5%
- Pain assessment96.6%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.6%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life66.9%
- All care steps completed97.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Dementia21%
- Heart and circulatory disease16%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke10%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County
Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County serves families in Diamond Springs, California. This non-profit provider has offered hospice services since 1990. They hold accreditation from The Joint Commission, which shows they meet high standards for safety and care. They focus on comfort for patients and support for their loved ones during difficult times. The team includes 21 registered nurses and 5 licensed practical nurses who provide medical oversight. They also have 45 volunteers ready to lend a hand. Having this many volunteers available shows a strong commitment to keeping patients connected to their community. Choosing a provider with this level of oversight helps ensure your family gets the care they deserve throughout the entire process. It is a local option built on decades of service to the people of El Dorado County.
About Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County
As a non-profit organization, this provider puts its resources back into patient care and community support. They have been Medicare certified for over three decades. This long history is a testament to their stability. The Joint Commission accreditation is a major mark of quality. This group checks hospice agencies to ensure they follow strict rules for safety and clinical outcomes. When a hospice meets these standards, it means they follow best practices for pain management and patient dignity. Families should know that this accreditation is voluntary. It means the provider holds themselves to a higher bar than the law requires. That is a sign they care about the details of your experience. You can feel confident knowing they have been vetted by both the government and independent experts. They keep a consistent focus on the needs of every single person under their care.
High Quality Standards
What Is Hospice Care Like in Diamond Springs?
Hospice care in Diamond Springs focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. The team works to manage pain so patients can spend meaningful time with their families. Snowline Hospice of El Dorado County uses a full team of 61 employees to provide this support. This includes two physicians who guide medical decisions for the patients. And the care goes beyond just medicine. A large group of 45 volunteers provides companionship and emotional help. This blend of medical experts and volunteers creates a circle of support around the patient. They work together to address the physical and emotional needs of every person they serve. Whether you need help with daily tasks or complex symptom management, this team is prepared to step in. They understand how to serve the local area with kindness and professional skill. You are in good hands with this group.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right care team is a big decision. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. You should also ask how the team will help you manage pain and other symptoms. Ask about the role of volunteers and how they interact with patients. It is also good to ask how they support family members after a loss. Finally, ask what specific services they offer on nights and weekends. Every hospice works a bit differently. These questions help you understand if their style of care matches what your family needs. Do not be afraid to ask for clear answers. You deserve to know exactly how they will care for your loved one. Take your time during this process to ensure you feel comfortable with your final choice.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories that deserve to be kept safe for future generations to enjoy.
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