BELLA TERRA HOSPICE OF THE DESERT
Provider Information
- Address
- 75410 GERALD FORD DRIVE
PALM DESERT, CA 92211 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 13, 2015
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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 August 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) | 4 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
15
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 BELLA TERRA HOSPICE OF THE DESERT 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BELLA TERRA HOSPICE OF THE DESERT compares to hospices nationwide.
12.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 54th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
36
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 day12.6 min
Ranks better than about 54% 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 life91.1%
Ranks better than about 36% 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 visits30.8%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 care17.2%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 months27.6%
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 care17.2%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 hospice3.4%
Ranks better than about 21% 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$18,007 · 50th 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 39.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.1%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life39.8%
- 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.
- Cancer16%
- Dementia20%
- Heart and circulatory disease33%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke9%
- Other conditions20%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Bella Terra Hospice of the Desert
Bella Terra Hospice of the Desert serves families in Palm Desert, California. This provider offers end-of-life care and support services for patients in Riverside County. They have been certified by Medicare since July 2015. The team holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, also known as ACHC. This organization reviews hospice agencies to ensure they follow high standards for patient safety and care quality. Choosing an accredited provider means an outside group has checked their work against national rules. You can find them at 75410 Gerald Ford Drive. They work to provide steady support for your loved ones during this time. It is a local option for those living in the desert area.
About Bella Terra Hospice of the Desert
This agency operates as a for-profit provider. Being for-profit means the agency functions as a business while still meeting federal Medicare rules. Many families choose this type of hospice for its clear structure and focus on care efficiency. The ACHC accreditation is a key detail for your search. This group sets strict benchmarks for how hospices manage pain and support families. They look at how staff handles medical records and patient emergencies. That is important for your peace of mind. The provider maintains a team of 15 employees to help patients. This includes four registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also work with three volunteers who provide extra companionship. You should look at the full picture of their team when you meet them. They have served the community for many years.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in PALM DESERT?
Hospice care in the desert area focuses on comfort and relief. The goal is to manage symptoms so the patient can spend time with family. Most care happens in the home, but it can also occur in other settings. You will find a team approach here. The staff includes registered nurses and a licensed practical nurse to handle medical needs. Volunteers help with non-medical tasks like reading or sitting with a patient. This team works together to create a plan that fits the specific needs of your loved one. They must follow strict federal rules for how they provide medicine and support. You should expect regular visits from the nursing staff. They monitor symptoms and adjust the care plan as things change. It is a team effort designed to make each day easier for the patient.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You should ask clear questions to understand how they will care for your loved one. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. Ask about the role of volunteers and how they support the family. You should also ask how the team coordinates with your current primary doctor. Find out if they provide help for caregivers who might feel tired or overwhelmed. Ask about their plan for pain management and symptom control. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one needs a higher level of care for a few days. Getting these answers now will help you feel more prepared later. Take notes during your talk with them.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be kept safe for future generations. Start recording those memories today.
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