GENTIVA
Provider Information
- Address
- 575 RESEARCH DRIVE, STE A
ATHENS, GA 30605 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 21, 2004
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) | 16 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
34
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 GENTIVA 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 GENTIVA compares to hospices nationwide.
11.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 38th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
110
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 day11.2 min
Ranks better than about 38% 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%
Ranks better than about 39% 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%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 visits28.6%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 care3.4%
Ranks better than about 71% 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 months42%
Ranks better than about 35% 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 care15.1%
Ranks better than about 17% 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 hospice2.5%
Ranks better than about 31% 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$22,818 · 74th 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 75.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.5%
- Pain assessment99.2%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.3%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life75.7%
- All care steps completed96.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer18%
- Dementia34%
- Heart and circulatory disease27%
- Lung and respiratory disease11%
- Other conditions10%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care at GENTIVA in Athens
GENTIVA serves families in Athens, Georgia, from their office on Research Drive. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort and support. Choosing the right team makes a huge difference during a difficult season. This provider has been certified by Medicare since 2004. That is two decades of experience in the local community. They work hard to help patients manage pain and find peace at home. The goal is always to keep the patient surrounded by loved ones. When you reach out to them, you are talking to a group that knows this area well. They understand the specific needs of families in Clarke County. It is a big step to look into hospice care. But having a steady hand by your side changes everything. You deserve to feel confident in the team you choose to walk this path with you.
About GENTIVA
GENTIVA operates as a for-profit hospice provider. This means they run as a business while following strict federal rules. Medicare certification is the key here. It shows they meet high standards for safety and care quality. They have held this status since June 2004. That long history shows they are committed to serving the Athens area for the long haul. Some families worry about for-profit status. The truth is, quality often comes down to the local staff and their leadership. You should look at how they treat people during your first visit. Do they listen well? Do they answer your questions without rushing? Those are the signs of a team that truly cares. You want a partner that treats your family like their own. GENTIVA has built a reputation over many years by staying focused on the patient. That is the kind of stability you need when things feel uncertain.
Understanding Hospice Care in Athens
Hospice is not just about medical care. It is about living each day as fully as possible. In Athens, many providers offer similar services, but the culture of each team varies. Most hospice groups provide nurses, aides, and social workers. They visit your home to help with daily tasks and medicine. What most people do not realize is that hospice is for more than just the final few days. You can start these services much earlier to get better support. The team works to keep the patient comfortable in their own bed. They also offer emotional support to the whole family. That is a massive help when you are feeling overwhelmed by all the changes. You do not have to do this alone. Local providers like GENTIVA have the tools to make this time easier. It is all about finding the right fit for your loved one's unique needs.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice team is a big decision. Here are a few questions to help you decide. First, ask how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You need to know that help is just a phone call away. Second, ask how they handle pain management and comfort. It is important that they have a clear plan for your loved one. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief is hard, and you deserve support during that time, too. Finally, ask about their staff turnover. A team that stays together usually works better together. Do not feel bad about asking these hard questions. The staff expects them. They want you to feel good about your choice. Take your time. Listen to your gut. You know your family best, and you will know when you find the right match.
Other Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
Confused by hospice star ratings? Learn how CMS calculates these scores, what they reveal about care quality, and how to find the right provider for your family.
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.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
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.