HOSPICE OF THE HEARTLAND
Provider Information
- Address
- 1515 SOUTH PHILLIPS
ALGONA, IA 50511 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 15, 1990
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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) | 1 |
| Physicians | 0 |
3
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 HOSPICE OF THE HEARTLAND 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF THE HEARTLAND compares to hospices nationwide.
15 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 76th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
6
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 min
Ranks better than about 76% 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 weekends9.3%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 life100%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 visits0%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 months30%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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)90th 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$7,487 · 4th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 82.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.8%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment95.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life82.6%
- All care steps completed95.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer33%
- Other conditions24%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of the Heartland Overview
Hospice of the Heartland serves families in Algona, Iowa, and the surrounding Kossuth County area. This provider offers end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients. They work with a team of experts to manage symptoms and provide emotional support. Choosing the right hospice is a heavy decision during a difficult time. That is why having a local provider with a long history is so helpful. They have been providing care to this community since 1990. Their team understands the local landscape and the needs of neighbors in Algona. Relying on a team that knows your town can make a big difference for your peace of mind. Getting the right support early on helps families focus on what truly matters most—spending quality time together.
About Hospice of the Heartland
Hospice of the Heartland operates as a government-owned provider. This means they are connected to public health resources and local oversight. They have been Medicare-certified since February 15, 1990. That is over three decades of serving people in Iowa. When you look for a hospice, certification is the baseline for quality. It ensures the provider follows strict federal rules for safety and care. You should feel good knowing they have such a long history of serving the public. The thing is, choosing a hospice is not just about the rules. It is about finding a team that fits your family's values. Government-run programs often bring a steady, reliable approach to care. They focus on the mission of service above all else. This can be a great comfort when you need a partner you can trust.
Top-Tier Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Algona
Hospice care is a special way of helping people who have a serious illness. It is not about giving up hope. It is about changing the goal to comfort and pain relief. In a place like Algona, hospice teams often travel to your home. They can also provide care in nursing facilities if that is where you live. The team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They all work together to help with physical pain and emotional stress. And they support the family members too. It is a team sport. Most people wait too long to ask for help, but hospice can start as soon as a doctor confirms a prognosis. You do not have to walk this path alone. Having support early helps everyone handle the changes that come with a terminal illness.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right fit feels overwhelming, but asking the right questions helps clear the fog. Start by asking how quickly they can respond if there is an emergency at night. You need to know that someone is always available to answer your call. Second, ask how they handle pain and symptom control. You want a team that is very good at keeping your loved one comfortable. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a huge part of the hospice mission. And finally, ask what their team looks like. Who will be coming to your house? Knowing the names and roles of the people who will enter your home builds trust. Write these questions down before you call. It keeps the conversation focused and helps you get the answers you need.
Preserve Your Family's Unique Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. We can help you record their voice and stories so they last for generations to come.
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Helpful Guides for Families
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.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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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.