VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE OF GREATER WASH, DC
Provider Information
- Address
- 1200 FIRST STREET, NE SUITE 320
WASHINGTON, DC 20002 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 1, 2006
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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) | 9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 1 |
21
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 VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE OF GREATER WASH, DC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
An older Medicare record for this hospice lists short-term inpatient care as “not provided.” That code may be out of date. Medicare requires certified hospices to make inpatient care available for symptom management and caregiver respite. Ask this hospice how it arranges a bed if symptoms become hard to manage at home.
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
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 VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE OF GREATER WASH, DC compares to hospices nationwide.
13.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 62nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
83
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 day13.4 min
Ranks better than about 62% 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 weekends6.7%
Ranks better than about 35% 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 life84.6%
Ranks better than about 19% 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 visits71.9%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 care7.3%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 months43.8%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 care8.8%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 hospice5.1%
Ranks better than about 11% 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$23,212 · 75th 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 55.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening92.1%
- Pain assessment96.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening91.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed98.6%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.1%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.6%
- Visits in the last days of life55.6%
- All care steps completed88.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer28%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease6%
- Stroke41%
- Other conditions7%
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 Washington, DC
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Greater Wash, DC offers specialized end-of-life support to residents across the District of Columbia. Their team focuses on comfort and dignity for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. They work closely with families to manage pain and provide emotional support during a difficult season. You will find their office located at 1200 First Street, NE, Suite 320, in the heart of Washington. It is a central location designed to serve the local community with care and focus. Getting the right support early on makes a big difference for everyone involved. That is why they prioritize a team-based approach to meet your loved one’s unique needs. Whether you are at home or in a facility, their goal is to ensure peace of mind. Choosing a local provider means having a team that knows the area well. This helps them reach you quickly when you need them most.
About VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Greater Wash, DC
This provider operates as a for-profit organization. They have been certified by Medicare since August 1, 2006. That is nearly two decades of serving the Washington area. Longevity in this field often suggests a stable team and consistent processes. Families should know that Medicare certification means they must meet strict federal rules for quality and safety. This is a big deal because it ensures a high standard of care for your loved one. As a for-profit provider, they are accountable for their performance and must maintain clear records of their services. Their team includes doctors, nurses, and aides who work together. They follow a plan that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. What matters most is that you feel heard and supported throughout the process. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how they manage daily care. They are there to help you navigate these choices with clarity and kindness.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Washington
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing comfort and quality of life. In a busy city like Washington, you have several options for end-of-life care. Many families do not realize that hospice can happen wherever the patient calls home. This includes private houses, assisted living centers, or nursing homes. The core mission is always the same: to reduce pain and help families spend meaningful time together. Medicare covers these services for eligible patients. This includes visits from nurses, supplies, and medications related to the terminal illness. The thing is, many people wait too long to start these services. Starting early allows the hospice team to build a relationship with your loved one. It also gives the family more time to access support groups and counseling. You are not meant to do this alone. Reach out to providers to see how they can fit into your current situation.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking the right partner for your family is a big decision. You should feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Start by asking how they handle after-hours calls. You need to know that someone will answer the phone at 3 a.m. if a crisis happens. Next, ask about their specific experience with your loved one’s condition. Every illness has different needs, and you want a team that understands them. It is also smart to ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a vital part of hospice care. Finally, ask them what makes their team different from others in the city. Listen for answers that focus on the patient and family experience. If they mention their staff training or their connection to the community, that is a good sign. Trust your gut feeling during these talks. You deserve a team that acts like a partner in your journey.
Keep Your Family's History Alive
During this time, stories become your most precious treasure. Learn how to record and preserve the memories that define your family’s legacy before they fade away.
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