PRUITTHEALTH HOSPICE-ATHENS
Provider Information
- Address
- 1751 MERIWEATHER DRIVE, SUITE 1A
WATKINSVILLE, GA 30677 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 4, 2007
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) | 11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 2 |
27
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 PRUITTHEALTH HOSPICE-ATHENS 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
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- 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 PRUITTHEALTH HOSPICE-ATHENS compares to hospices nationwide.
10.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 27th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
54
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 day10.2 min
Ranks better than about 27% 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 life92.4%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 visits57.1%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 care14.9%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 months29.8%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 care14.9%
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 hospice2.1%
Ranks better than about 36% 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$15,571 · 37th 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 71.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.4%
- 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 life71.9%
- All care steps completed97.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer15%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease11%
- Stroke11%
- Other conditions32%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care at PruittHealth Hospice-Athens
PruittHealth Hospice-Athens serves families in Watkinsville, Georgia, from their office on Meriweather Drive. They provide essential end-of-life support focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of time. Choosing a hospice provider is a deeply personal decision that affects your loved one's daily peace. This team works to manage pain and emotional needs with a professional touch. And that is exactly what families need during such a tender season. They bring specialized care directly to the place your loved one calls home. It is about making every single day count, even when time feels short. By focusing on the person rather than just the illness, they help families stay together. This local team remains committed to the Oconee community through dedicated nursing and support services. Finding the right fit matters, and this provider offers a clear path toward supportive care for those facing a serious health journey.
About PRUITTHEALTH HOSPICE-ATHENS
This hospice operates as a for-profit organization, a common model for many care providers today. They have been certified by Medicare since April 2007. That is nearly two decades of experience serving the Watkinsville area. When you choose a provider with this much history, you gain access to established systems and proven routines. Most people do not realize that Medicare certification is not just a badge; it means they follow strict federal rules for safety and quality. The thing is, for-profit status does not dictate the heart of the care team. It simply refers to how the business is structured. What matters most is how they treat your family members during vulnerable moments. You should feel empowered to ask about their specific staff ratios and how they respond to calls at night. Their long track record in Oconee County provides a baseline of stability for those needing help now.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in WATKINSVILLE
Hospice care is a specialized form of support for people with life-limiting illnesses. In Watkinsville and across Oconee County, the goal remains the same: comfort. It is not about giving up hope. Instead, it is about shifting focus toward living as fully as possible. The team includes nurses, doctors, aides, and chaplains who visit your home. They provide relief from pain and help manage difficult symptoms. But they also offer emotional and spiritual support to the whole family unit. Many people wait too long to start these services. The truth is, hospice can provide support for months, not just the final days. Starting early allows the care team to build a real relationship with your loved one. This makes the entire process much smoother for everyone involved. Taking this step early can lower stress and help you focus on making memories instead of managing medical crises.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking the right partner for your family is a big deal. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions during your first meeting. First, ask how quickly a nurse can reach your home if a crisis occurs at 2:00 AM. Fast response times are vital for peace of mind. Second, ask how they involve the family in creating the care plan. You know your loved one best, and your input should guide their decisions. Third, ask about their experience with your loved one's specific health condition. Some teams have extra training for certain diseases like dementia or heart failure. And finally, ask what kind of grief support they offer after the passing. A good hospice team stays with the family even after the loss. Do not be afraid to speak up. A quality provider will welcome your questions and provide clear, honest answers every single time.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
The wisdom and memories of your loved ones are a precious gift. Capture their life stories and unique voice now to create a lasting legacy for your children and future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
BRISTOL HOSPICE- EAST GEORGIA
AGAPE HOSPICE CARE OF CLARKE COUNTY, LLC
ST. MARY'S HOSPICE SERVICES
HOSPICE SATILLA OF MEM HOSP
ABBEY HOSPICE
ATRIUM HEALTH FLOYD MEDICAL CENTER HEYMAN HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
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.
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.