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 August 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 screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment95.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life82.6%
- All care steps completed97.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer33%
- Other conditions24%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of the Heartland
Hospice of the Heartland serves families in Algona, Iowa. This provider offers hospice services to those in need of end of life care. They have held Medicare certification since February of 1990. Being Medicare certified means they meet federal standards for health and safety. This agency is a government entity. They help patients and their families manage symptoms during a difficult time. Choosing the right care is a big step. This team works from their office on South Phillips Street. They focus on providing care that aligns with federal rules. Their long history shows a commitment to the Algona community over many decades. You can reach them at their local phone number to discuss your specific needs. They are ready to answer your questions about how hospice works. Providing clear information is part of their mission for local families.
About Hospice of the Heartland
Hospice of the Heartland operates as a government agency. This structure means they answer to public standards. They have served the area for more than thirty years. That is a long time to provide support in Kossuth County. Families should know that government providers follow strict rules for patient care. These rules cover everything from medicine to daily comfort. This agency is also a hospital based program. That often means they have access to hospital resources if a need arises. Their team includes three total employees. This includes one registered nurse. They do not have a doctor on their direct staff. Understanding the size of the team helps you plan your care. You should ask how they coordinate with your own doctor. They maintain their focus on quality by following these federal guidelines. It is a simple way to ensure you get consistent care throughout your time with them.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in ALGONA?
Hospice care in Algona focuses on comfort and peace for patients. The goal is to manage pain and help the family during the final stages of life. Hospice of the Heartland provides care with a small, focused team. With one registered nurse on staff, they provide direct oversight for medical needs. They work to keep patients at home whenever possible. This allows for a familiar space during a hard time. The team helps families handle the day to day tasks that become difficult. They also provide emotional support for the patient and their loved ones. Because they are a small agency, you will likely see the same people often. This helps build a strong bond between the staff and your family. They handle the medical side so you can focus on being together. That is the main purpose of hospice care in this community.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel confident before you pick a hospice agency. Start by asking how they handle emergencies after hours. You need to know who to call at three in the morning. Ask how often a nurse will visit your home. You want to know if they can come out on weekends or holidays. It is also good to ask how they work with your current doctor. Will they change your medicine or keep things the same? Ask about their staff and who will be in your home most often. You should also ask what happens if your needs change suddenly. Can they add more support if the patient needs more care? Do not be afraid to ask these questions to anyone you talk with. Getting clear answers now helps you feel more at peace later. You deserve to know exactly how they will support your family.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift that should be kept safe for future generations to enjoy.
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