HospiceScout

APPALACHIAN HOSPICE, LLC

Provider Information

Address
1346 PAT HARALSON DRIVE
BLAIRSVILLE, GA 30512
Medicare Certified Since
October 28, 2022

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CMS Quality Ratings

Overall Rating

Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.

Quality of Care

Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.

Patient Satisfaction

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.

Care Details from Medicare Data

Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how APPALACHIAN HOSPICE, LLC compares to hospices nationwide.

15.4 minutes

of nurse care per routine home care day, on average

That is the 79th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.

48

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 day15.4 min

    Ranks better than about 79% 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 weekends11.6%

    Ranks better than about 78% 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 life99.6%

    Ranks better than about 92% 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 visits34.7%

    Ranks better than about 74% 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 care10.4%

    Ranks better than about 24% 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 months31.3%

    Ranks better than about 65% 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 care9%

    Ranks better than about 41% 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 hospice3%

    Ranks better than about 25% 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)67th 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$13,651 · 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 70.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
  • Pain screening94.1%
  • Pain assessment100%
  • Breathing difficulty screening100%
  • Breathing difficulty treatment100%
  • Treatment preferences discussed100%
  • Beliefs and values discussed100%
  • Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
  • Visits in the last days of life70.9%
  • All care steps completed94.1%

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%
  • Dementia29%
  • Heart and circulatory disease17%
  • Lung and respiratory disease11%
  • Stroke4%
  • Other conditions23%

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 Blairsville

Appalachian Hospice, LLC provides end-of-life care for families in Blairsville, Georgia. They offer comfort and support to patients facing serious illness. Their team focuses on managing pain and improving quality of life. They serve the Union County area with a commitment to dignity. Families can rely on their professional staff during difficult times. This provider is dedicated to helping patients live each day to the fullest. They offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support for those in their care. Choosing the right hospice is a major decision for your loved ones. Appalachian Hospice, LLC works to ensure that every patient feels valued and heard. Their presence in the Blairsville community brings peace of mind to many families. You are not alone when you turn to them for support. They prioritize the needs of the patient and the family above all else.

About Appalachian Hospice, LLC

Appalachian Hospice, LLC is a Medicare-certified provider located at 1346 Pat Haralson Drive in Blairsville. They have been certified since October 28, 2022. Medicare certification means they meet high national standards for hospice care. This certification ensures that they follow strict rules to protect patient safety. Families should know that this provider meets the rigorous demands of federal oversight. Their team is trained to handle the complex needs of patients in Union County. You can feel confident knowing they have met these official requirements. They are prepared to help your family navigate the hospice journey with care and skill. When you select a provider, it is helpful to look at their history and status. Appalachian Hospice, LLC has established itself as a reliable partner for your healthcare needs. They are ready to provide the care your loved one deserves in this stage of life.

Understanding Hospice Care in Blairsville

Hospice care is a special way to support people with a limited life expectancy. It is not about giving up on hope or medical treatment. Instead, it is about shifting the focus to comfort and pain relief. In Blairsville, families can access these services right in their own homes. Care teams often include doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. Hospice also provides support for the family members who are grieving. You can get help with daily tasks and guidance on how to care for your loved one. This care model allows patients to spend their final days in a familiar and loving environment. It is a vital resource for our community. Taking advantage of these services early can provide more time for meaningful moments with your family.

What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider

Choosing a hospice provider is a big step for your family. It is important to ask questions to see if the provider is a good fit. Here are a few things you should consider asking:

  • How quickly can your team come to our home in an emergency?
  • What support do you offer for family members who are feeling overwhelmed?
  • How do you manage pain and other symptoms to keep my loved one comfortable?
  • Can you explain how your team works with our current doctors?

Asking these questions helps you understand how the provider will support your family. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity on any part of the care plan. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident with the choice you make. A good provider will be happy to answer all your questions with patience and kindness. Take your time to talk with them before you make your final decision.

Preserve Your Family Stories

This time of life is precious. We can help you record and save the stories and memories that matter most to your family.

Start Your Legacy

Other Hospice Providers Nearby

Helpful Guides for Families

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.