NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITY HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 714 SOUTH THORNTON AVENUE, SUITE B
DALTON, GA 30720 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 19, 2018
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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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 2 |
12
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 NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITY 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITY HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
9.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 18th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
7
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day9.3 min
Ranks better than about 18% 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 weekends7.2%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 life96.2%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 visits41.7%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months50%
Ranks better than about 17% 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 care14.3%
Ranks better than about 19% 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%
Ranks better than about 55% 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$23,965 · 78th 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 1 required care step for new patients here.
- Visits in the last days of life52.2%
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 Dalton
North Georgia Community Hospice provides end-of-life care for families in Dalton, Georgia. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Based at 714 South Thornton Avenue, this team serves the Whitfield County area with dedicated medical and emotional support. Choosing the right hospice is a heavy task. It helps to know there is a local team ready to walk that path with you.
About North Georgia Community Hospice
This provider has been Medicare certified since April 19, 2018. As a for-profit organization, they follow standard federal guidelines to ensure care meets specific benchmarks. Being certified means they have passed rigorous checks by Medicare to prove they offer high-quality services. That is a big deal for families seeking reliable care. They work hard to meet the needs of those facing a serious illness. You should feel free to ask them about their specific experience with your loved one's needs. The team at this location is focused on making sure patients stay as comfortable as possible. It is all about giving families more peace of mind during a tough season.
Understanding Hospice Care in Dalton
Hospice is about more than just medicine. It is a philosophy of care that puts the patient’s comfort and wishes at the center of every decision. In Dalton, families have access to teams that include doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. These folks work together to manage pain and provide emotional support for the whole family. Many people wait too long to start hospice. The truth is that hospice can help much sooner than most expect. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing to make the remaining time as meaningful as possible. You are never alone in this process. Local providers in the Whitfield County area understand the unique needs of this community.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice team is a personal choice. You want to feel confident in the people entering your home. Here are a few questions to guide your search:
- How quickly can your nurses arrive if we have an emergency at night?
- How do you help us manage pain and other symptoms?
- What kind of emotional support or counseling do you offer our family?
- How will your team communicate with our primary doctor?
Ask these questions openly. The right provider will be happy to answer them clearly. They should listen to your concerns without rushing you. Your peace of mind matters most here. Take your time to find the right fit for your loved one.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Every life has a unique story worth saving. We can help you capture precious memories and wisdom to share with future generations during this important time.
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