EMPYREAN HOSPICE OF GEORGIA, LLC-(ATHENS)
Provider Information
- Address
- 3722 ATLANTA HIGHWAY, SUITE 1
ATHENS 706-229-6944, GA 30606 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 12, 2023
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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 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
5
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 EMPYREAN HOSPICE OF GEORGIA, LLC-(ATHENS) reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2024.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how EMPYREAN HOSPICE OF GEORGIA, LLC-(ATHENS) compares to hospices nationwide.
11.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 40th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
33
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 day11.4 min
Ranks better than about 40% 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 weekends8%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 life89.7%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 visits51.2%
Ranks better than about 53% 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 care11.4%
Ranks better than about 19% 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 months11.4%
Ranks better than about 95% 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 care22.9%
Ranks better than about 4% 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 hospice2.9%
Ranks better than about 26% 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$14,698 · 32nd 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 94.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment94.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- All care steps completed96.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer18%
- Dementia29%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Lung and respiratory disease11%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Care and Comfort in Athens
Empyrean Hospice of Georgia, LLC- (Athens) provides compassionate end-of-life care for families living in Clarke County. Located at 3722 Atlanta Highway, this team serves the Athens community with a focus on dignity and comfort. They offer specialized support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. The goal here is simple. They want to ensure that every patient feels safe and cared for during their final months. Choosing the right hospice is a big decision for your family. Having a local team nearby can make a world of difference when you need help quickly. That is why having a provider right here in Athens is a vital resource for our neighbors.
About Empyrean Hospice of Georgia, LLC-(Athens)
This hospice provider has been Medicare certified since October 12, 2023. It operates under an 'Other' ownership status. You might wonder what that means for your loved one. It simply means they meet the strict federal rules for hospice care. Since they are relatively new to the certification list, they have worked hard to build a strong reputation quickly. Here is the thing—Medicare certification is a gold standard for quality. It ensures that the hospice follows national rules for pain management and emotional support. Families should know that this provider is held to the same high standards as any other Medicare-certified hospice. They focus on meeting the unique needs of the Athens area. You can reach them directly at 706-229-6944 to learn more about their specific team and how they support families every day.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Athens
Finding the right care in Clarke County can feel overwhelming. But you are not alone in this search. Many families in Georgia find that local hospice care allows their loved ones to stay in their own homes. That is the main benefit of hospice. It brings the doctors, nurses, and social workers to where you live. Most people don't realize that hospice is not just about the end of life. It is about making the most of every day you have left together. In Athens, you have access to providers who understand our local community and its values. The team at Empyrean Hospice focuses on keeping patients comfortable while supporting the whole family. And that support is key. It helps reduce the stress that comes with managing a serious illness. You deserve a partner who listens to your needs and respects your wishes during this time.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It is important to feel confident in your choice. Start by asking how quickly they can get someone to your home in an emergency. This is a big deal if you have urgent needs at night or on the weekend. You should also ask how they handle pain and other symptoms. Do they have a doctor who is available to talk to you? Another great question is how they support family members who are grieving. A good hospice team should offer counseling and emotional support for the whole family, not just the patient. Finally, ask if they have volunteers who can sit with your loved one. Sometimes, just having a friendly person to talk to makes a huge difference. Don't be afraid to ask these hard questions. The right team will be happy to answer them for you.
Preserving Your Family Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. Recording these memories is a beautiful way to honor their life and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
Learn how to start hospice conversations with your loved ones. Get expert scripts, signs it is time, and tools to find quality care near you with Hospice Scout.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
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.