BIG BEND HOSPICE INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 1723 MAHAN CENTER BLVD
TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 19, 1986
Are you this hospice's administrator? Update your information
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) | 56 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 8 |
| Physicians | 4 |
| Volunteers | 4 |
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 BIG BEND 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 2012.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BIG BEND HOSPICE INC compares to hospices nationwide.
10.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 26th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
377
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 day10.1 min
Ranks better than about 26% 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 weekends7.7%
Ranks better than about 47% 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 life93.4%
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 visits77.9%
Ranks better than about 16% 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 care9.2%
Ranks better than about 31% 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 months34.3%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 care3.5%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 hospice0.7%
Ranks better than about 53% 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$13,686 · 26th 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 48.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.6%
- Pain assessment99.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.9%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.2%
- Visits in the last days of life48.4%
- 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.
- Cancer23%
- Dementia25%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke8%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Hospice Care in Tallahassee
Big Bend Hospice Inc serves families in Tallahassee, Florida. They provide comfort-focused care for those facing a life-limiting illness. Their team works to improve the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. They offer support in the home or at a care facility. Choosing the right hospice is an important step for your family. This provider focuses on dignity and peace during a difficult time. They are located on Mahan Center Blvd in Leon County. Their staff is ready to help you understand your options for care. You can reach them at (850) 878-5310 to discuss your needs. Finding local support makes a big difference for everyone involved. They are committed to serving the Tallahassee community with care and respect.
About Big Bend Hospice Inc
Big Bend Hospice Inc is a non-profit organization. Non-profit hospice providers often focus on community needs and reinvest in patient services. This provider has been certified by Medicare since June 19, 1986. This long history shows their experience in the field. Families should know that Medicare certification means they meet federal safety and quality rules. Being in business for many decades is a strong sign of stability. When you choose a provider, you want one with a proven track record. This hospice has served the Tallahassee area for a very long time. They follow strict standards to ensure patients get the right care. You can trust that they have handled many different situations over the years. Their long service history is a key factor to consider. It shows they have deep roots in the local community.
Quality of Care Summary
Understanding Hospice Care in Tallahassee
Hospice care is about comfort rather than a cure. It helps patients live fully during their final months. In Tallahassee, families have access to several hospice options. Hospice teams include doctors, nurses, and social workers. They also provide chaplains and volunteers to help the whole family. Care happens wherever the patient lives. This could be a private home, an assisted living center, or a nursing home. The goal is always to reduce pain and manage symptoms. Hospice care also provides emotional support to families. It helps everyone process the changes that come with serious illness. You do not have to walk this path alone. Local providers like Big Bend Hospice Inc focus on keeping patients comfortable. They work hard to meet the physical and emotional needs of every person they serve.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should ask clear questions to find the right fit. Here are a few things to consider:
- How quickly can a nurse get to our home if we have an emergency?
- What specific services do you provide to support family caregivers at home?
- How does your team handle pain and symptom management for patients?
- Can you explain how your volunteers help during this difficult time?
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious. We can help you record and save your loved one's stories and memories for future generations.
Learn How to Save MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
VITAS HEALTHCARE CORPORATION OF FLORIDA
AMEDISYS HOSPICE
AMEDISYS HOSPICE OF BREVARD
AFFINITY CARE OF MANATEE COUNTY LLC
HOSPICE OF OKEECHOBEE INCORPORATED
CONTINUUM CARE OF MIAMI DADE LLC
Helpful Guides for Families
Creating a Living Will Checklist: A Hospice Care Guide
Need help with end-of-life planning? Use our Creating a Living Will Checklist to ensure your loved one's medical wishes are honored. Start your planning today.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.