SUNCREST HOSPICE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 36923 COOK STREET, STE 102-1
PALM DESERT, CA 92211 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 17, 2019
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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) | 1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
6
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 SUNCREST HOSPICE CARE 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 SUNCREST HOSPICE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
17.7 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.
35
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 day17.7 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 weekends8.4%
Ranks better than about 56% 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 life99%
Ranks better than about 91% 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 visits29.4%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 care4.3%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 months32.6%
Ranks better than about 62% 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 care19.6%
Ranks better than about 8% 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)67th 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$17,475 · 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 8.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids75.7%
- Visits in the last days of life8.9%
- All care steps completed93.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia36%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Other conditions12%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support at Suncrest Hospice Care
Suncrest Hospice Care serves the Palm Desert, California area from their office on Cook Street. This provider offers end-of-life support focused on comfort and dignity for patients and their loved ones. They work closely with families to manage symptoms and provide emotional care during difficult times. Choosing the right team makes a big difference in how a person spends their final months. Suncrest has been a Medicare-certified provider since December 2019. That history shows their commitment to meeting federal safety and quality rules. The staff understands that hospice is about living each day as fully as possible. They aim to bring peace of mind to your home or current living space. When you need clear answers about your options, this team is ready to help. Having local support in Riverside County means they can respond quickly to your needs. This provider focuses on high standards of care for every patient they serve.
About SUNCREST HOSPICE CARE
Suncrest Hospice Care operates as a for-profit provider in Palm Desert. For-profit status simply means they manage their own business operations while following strict Medicare rules. They earned their Medicare certification on December 17, 2019. This date marks the start of their formal oversight by federal health agencies. What does this mean for your family? It means they must pass regular inspections to keep their certification active. You can trust that they follow a clear set of national guidelines. The thing is, all hospice agencies must meet these same basic requirements to get paid by Medicare. Suncrest has built their local reputation by sticking to these rules since 2019. They focus on providing care that aligns with patient goals and family wishes. You should feel comfortable asking them about their specific team structure. They can explain how their nurses, aides, and social workers coordinate daily care for your loved one.
Quality Rating Note
Understanding Hospice Care in PALM DESERT
Finding care in the Coachella Valley can feel overwhelming when you are tired or stressed. The good news is that Palm Desert has several resources to help families manage serious illness. Hospice care is not just about medical equipment or medicine. It is about building a circle of support around the patient. Most people think hospice is only for the very last days of life. But the truth is that patients can receive care for six months or longer if a doctor confirms the need. This gives families more time to focus on quality moments together. And that is the most important part of the journey. In Riverside County, you have access to providers like Suncrest who know the local area well. They can help you connect with other community resources too. Don't be afraid to ask for help early in the process. Starting care sooner often leads to better comfort for everyone involved.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have the right to choose the team that fits your family best. Before you decide, sit down with the provider and get clear answers. First, ask how quickly they can visit your home after an emergency call. Knowing they can get there fast brings great comfort. Second, ask how their staff coordinates with your current primary doctor. Good communication between your regular doctor and the hospice team is vital. Third, ask what happens if your loved one needs help in the middle of the night. You should know exactly who will answer the phone. Finally, ask about their volunteer services. Many agencies offer volunteers who can sit with patients or give family caregivers a short break. These small details add up to a much better experience. Write down your questions before you meet them. It helps you stay focused on what matters most during a hard time.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. Take this time to capture their stories and life lessons before they fade. It is a beautiful way to honor their journey and create a lasting gift for your future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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