DBA HAWAI'I CARE CHOICES
Provider Information
- Address
- 1011 WAIANUENUE AVENUE
HILO, HI 96720 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 25, 1989
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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) | 38 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 6 |
| Volunteers | 79 |
120
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 DBA HAWAI'I CARE CHOICES reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- 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 DBA HAWAI'I CARE CHOICES compares to hospices nationwide.
16.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 84th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
112
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 day16.4 min
Ranks better than about 84% 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 weekends4.4%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 life93.8%
Ranks better than about 52% 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 visits27.6%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 care8.1%
Ranks better than about 38% 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 months29.7%
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 care1.4%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 hospice4.1%
Ranks better than about 16% 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$16,432 · 41st 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 60.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.8%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life60.8%
- All care steps completed99.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer25%
- Dementia9%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Stroke28%
- Other conditions15%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Hospice Care in Hilo
DBA HAWAI'I CARE CHOICES offers compassionate hospice services to residents in Hilo, Hawaii. Based on Waianuenue Avenue, this team provides essential end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life during a very difficult time. It is a local choice for families needing expert support in Hawaii County. The team works hard to manage pain and provide emotional guidance. They serve the community with a clear mission to put patient needs first. Choosing the right hospice is a major decision for any family. That is why having a reliable local provider like this can make a world of difference. They help families find peace when they need it most.
About DBA HAWAI'I CARE CHOICES
This provider operates as a non-profit organization. That is a big deal because it means their focus is on care rather than profits. They have been Medicare certified since August 25, 1989. That is over three decades of experience serving the Hilo area. Longevity like that shows a deep commitment to the community. Families should know that they meet strict federal standards for hospice care. They must pass regular checks to keep their certification active. This history provides a sense of stability when you are feeling overwhelmed. The thing is, choosing a non-profit can often feel like a more personal path. You are working with a group that prioritizes your family's well-being above everything else. They understand the local culture and the specific needs of Hilo residents. It is a legacy of care you can trust.
Quality Care You Can Trust
Understanding Hospice Care in Hilo
Finding the right care on an island can feel different than on the mainland. You want a team that knows the local landscape. Hilo families often look for providers who understand their unique community values. Hospice care is not just about medical help. It is about the whole person. It includes spiritual support and help for the family members too. Many people wait too long to ask for help. But the truth is, hospice can provide relief much earlier than most realize. It helps manage symptoms so the patient can spend more time enjoying their home. You deserve a team that listens to your specific concerns. In Hilo, this means finding a partner who respects your daily routines. It means having someone on call when you have a question at midnight. That is how you find comfort.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have choices, and that is a good thing. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. This is vital for your peace of mind. Next, ask how they handle pain management and medicine changes. You want to know they have a plan for every possible scenario. It is also smart to ask about their volunteer support. Volunteers can provide helpful companionship or give family caregivers a needed break. And finally, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a huge part of the hospice promise. Do not be afraid to ask these hard questions. The right provider will be happy to give you clear, honest answers. They should make you feel heard and respected throughout the entire conversation.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Every life is a book filled with unique memories. We help you capture those precious stories to share with the generations that follow. It is a beautiful way to honor a loved one's journey.
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