DESERT CARE HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 555 S SUNRISE WAY, SUITE 213
PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 14, 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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
8
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 DESERT CARE 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 DESERT CARE HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 37th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
8
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day11.1 min
Ranks better than about 37% 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 weekends6.2%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 life93.3%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 visits81.3%
Ranks better than about 12% 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 care0%
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 months57.9%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 care5.3%
Ranks better than about 60% 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$24,708 · 81st 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 1 required care step for new patients here.
- Visits in the last days of life16%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Heart and circulatory disease52%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Palm Springs
Desert Care Hospice serves families in Palm Springs, California. They provide essential end-of-life support and comfort services. Their team focuses on managing pain and symptoms for patients. They also provide emotional and spiritual support to the whole family. Choosing the right hospice is a vital step in your care journey. This provider operates out of their office on South Sunrise Way. They help patients stay comfortable and dignified during their final months. You can reach their team at (760) 318-0668 to learn about their specific programs. They are dedicated to serving the Riverside County community with care and focus. Their goal is to make sure your loved one feels safe and supported every day.
About Desert Care Hospice
Desert Care Hospice is a for-profit provider. They have been Medicare certified since December 14, 2019. Being Medicare certified means they follow strict federal rules for patient care. This ensures they meet high standards for safety and service. Families should know that being for-profit does not change their commitment to quality. They must meet the same federal guidelines as non-profit groups. Their team is built to handle the unique needs of patients in the desert climate. When you meet with them, ask how they coordinate care with your primary doctor. They should explain how their staff visits your home or facility. It is important to feel comfortable with the team that will walk this path with you. Their history shows they have been serving this area for several years now.
Understanding Hospice Care in Palm Springs
Hospice care is about comfort rather than a cure. In Palm Springs, many families choose hospice when a loved one has a life-limiting illness. This care happens wherever the patient lives. It can be in a private home, a nursing facility, or an assisted living center. The hospice team visits the patient regularly. They bring medical supplies and equipment to the bedside. They also provide counseling and help with daily tasks. It is a team effort involving doctors, nurses, and social workers. You are never alone when you choose hospice. The service is paid for by Medicare for those who qualify. It is meant to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Focus on peace and comfort is the main priority for everyone involved.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should feel empowered to ask questions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How quickly can a nurse get to my home in an emergency?
- What support do you provide for family members after a loss?
- How do you handle pain management for my loved one?
- Can I keep my current doctor while using your hospice services?
Ask these questions during your first meeting. The answers will help you feel more confident in your choice. Good providers will be happy to explain their processes. They should listen to your concerns with kindness. Take your time to find the right fit for your family. You deserve a team that listens and responds to your needs quickly.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious. We help you save the stories and memories that matter most. Capture the wisdom of your loved ones for future generations to cherish.
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