FIRST PRIORITY HOSPICE, INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 14545 FRIAR ST, SUITE 231
VAN NUYS, CA 91411 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 7, 2021
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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 |
7
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 PRIORITY HOSPICE, INC 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how FIRST PRIORITY HOSPICE, INC compares to hospices nationwide.
12.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 57th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
21
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 day12.9 min
Ranks better than about 57% 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 weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 life96.6%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 visits42%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 care1.4%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 months58.6%
Ranks better than about 8% 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 care10%
Ranks better than about 35% 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)94th 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$30,105 · 91st 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 7 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 66.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.7%
- Pain assessment96.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.3%
- Breathing difficulty treatment88.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed81.3%
- All care steps completed66.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer25%
- Dementia21%
- Heart and circulatory disease35%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
First Priority Hospice in Van Nuys
First Priority Hospice, Inc. serves families throughout the Los Angeles area from their office on Friar Street in Van Nuys. This provider offers end-of-life care for patients who need support at home or in a facility. They are certified by Medicare to provide these services to the community. The agency holds accreditation from the Community Health Accreditation Partner, or CHAP. This means they meet high standards for safety and care quality. Choosing a hospice agency is a big step for any family. This provider has been active since late 2021. Their team works to meet the needs of each patient with care and attention to detail. Finding the right support can make a real difference for your loved one during this time. They offer a specific set of services to help manage symptoms and provide comfort.
About First Priority Hospice, Inc.
This agency operates as a for-profit hospice provider. They have been certified by Medicare since October 2021. The agency maintains accreditation through CHAP. This group reviews hospice agencies to ensure they follow strict rules for clinical care. When an agency earns this status, it shows they focus on keeping their systems organized and safe. The agency is a freestanding hospice. This means they are not part of a larger hospital system. They have a small team of seven employees. This includes one physician, one registered nurse, one licensed practical nurse, and one volunteer. Small teams can sometimes offer more personal attention to each patient. You should look for an agency that communicates clearly about their team and their daily routine. It helps to ask how they handle emergencies after business hours. They must show they can provide support whenever you need it most.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Van Nuys?
Hospice care in Los Angeles County focuses on comfort rather than a cure. The team comes to the patient wherever they live. This could be a private house or a care facility. The staff members work together to manage pain and other symptoms. This team often includes doctors, nurses, and volunteers. First Priority Hospice, Inc. has a staff of seven people who coordinate this care. These professionals visit the home to check on the patient. They also help family members learn how to provide care. Having a nurse and a doctor on staff allows them to adjust medical plans quickly. This is important for keeping the patient calm and comfortable. Most families find that having a dedicated team reduces their stress. You can ask the agency how often their staff will visit your home. Regular visits allow them to see changes early and respond to your needs immediately.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should meet with a few agencies before you decide. Ask them how they handle pain management and comfort needs. It is also good to ask how they support family members who are grieving. Ask how many staff members live near the area. This ensures they can reach you quickly if a problem arises. You might want to ask about their volunteer program as well. Volunteers can provide companionship or help with small errands around the home. Ask if they provide care on weekends and holidays. Some agencies have different schedules for off-hours support. It is important to know who you will talk to at night. Get a clear list of what services are included in your plan. Knowing these details helps you feel more prepared. You want a team that listens to your concerns and answers your questions with honesty and patience.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories. We can help you record their voice and share their history with your family for generations to come.
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