EMERALD COAST HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 401 E 23RD ST, STE C
PANAMA CITY, FL 32405 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 9, 1992
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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) | 108 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 8 |
| Volunteers | 12 |
218
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 EMERALD COAST 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how EMERALD COAST HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 42nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
918
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 day11.6 min
Ranks better than about 42% 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 weekends6.6%
Ranks better than about 34% 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 life94.8%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 visits25.7%
Ranks better than about 84% 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 care7.4%
Ranks better than about 43% 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 months40.7%
Ranks better than about 38% 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 care11.6%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 hospice1.2%
Ranks better than about 48% 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)74th 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$19,580 · 58th 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 67.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.6%
- Pain assessment99.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.8%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.6%
- Visits in the last days of life67.2%
- All care steps completed98.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer19%
- Dementia28%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Lung and respiratory disease14%
- Stroke6%
- Other conditions11%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care in Panama City
Emerald Coast Hospice provides end-of-life care for families throughout the Panama City, Florida area. Located at 401 E 23rd St, this team focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients. They offer a wide range of medical and emotional support services right in your own community. Choosing the right partner for hospice is a big decision during a difficult time. That is why having a local team who understands your needs can make a real difference. Their goal is to help patients live their final days with dignity and peace. Whether at home or in a care facility, they bring professional medical help directly to where the patient lives. It is all about making each day count for the people you love the most.
About Emerald Coast Hospice
Emerald Coast Hospice operates as a for-profit provider. They have been Medicare certified since April 9, 1992. That is over three decades of experience serving the Bay County area. Why does that long history matter? It means they have worked with thousands of local families over the years. They know the healthcare landscape in Florida well. Being a for-profit provider does not change the core mission of hospice care. Their job remains the same: managing pain and providing comfort. Families should know that Medicare covers these services fully for eligible patients. You do not have to worry about the cost of basic hospice care. The thing is, choosing a provider is about more than just numbers. It is about finding a team that listens and cares about your specific family values.
High Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Panama City
Hospice care in Panama City is designed to focus on the person, not just the illness. Many people wait too long to ask for help because they are scared. But the truth is, hospice can start months before the end of life. It provides a team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers to help everyone involved. The team visits you at home. They help with medicine and equipment so you do not have to handle the heavy lifting alone. The goal is to keep the patient pain-free and comfortable. You might be surprised by how much support is actually available in Bay County. It is a safety net for your family. And yes, you can always change your mind or stop services if your needs change. You are always in control of the care plan.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider can feel like a lot of pressure. Start by asking how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. This is vital for peace of mind. Ask what their plan is for pain management on nights and weekends. You want to know that someone is always available to answer the phone. Another good question is how they involve family members in the daily care. Do they provide training for caregivers? This helps you feel more confident in your role at home. Finally, ask how their volunteers can help with small tasks like grocery shopping or sitting with the patient. These small things add up to a lot. Getting clear answers helps you feel good about your choice. Trust your gut during these talks.
Keep Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. We help you record these memories so they can be shared for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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TREASURE COAST HOSPICE OF ST LUCIE
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