HEARTLAND HOSPICE (WEST DES MOINES)
Provider Information
- Address
- 2521 UNIVERSITY BLVD SUITE 124
AMES, IA 50010 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 15, 2022
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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) | 2 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
4
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 HEARTLAND HOSPICE (WEST DES MOINES) 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 HEARTLAND HOSPICE (WEST DES MOINES) compares to hospices nationwide.
13.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 67th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
9
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 day13.9 min
Ranks better than about 67% 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 weekends11%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits13%
Ranks better than about 94% 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 care11.1%
Ranks better than about 20% 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 months33.3%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 care5.6%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 hospice5.6%
Ranks better than about 9% 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$12,946 · 23rd 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 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 70.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening90.3%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life70.2%
- All care steps completed90.3%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Ames
Heartland Hospice serves families in Ames, Iowa, and the surrounding Story County area. They focus on comfort, dignity, and support during a difficult time. Their team provides medical and emotional care directly to patients wherever they call home. Choosing the right partner for end-of-life care is a big decision. This team aims to make that transition easier for your loved ones. They work hard to manage pain and improve daily life for those they serve. It is about honoring the person behind the patient. That is their main goal every single day.
About HEARTLAND HOSPICE (WEST DES MOINES)
This provider operates as a for-profit organization. They have been Medicare certified since August 15, 2022. This certification means they meet federal rules for safety and quality. What should you look for? You want a team that listens to your family's specific wishes. They handle the complex medical needs while you focus on spending time together. It is important to know that for-profit status does not change the high standard of care they must provide. They are held to the same strict federal guidelines as any other hospice. You deserve a team that is clear about how they help. Always ask about their specific experience with your loved one's health needs.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in AMES
Finding the right care in Story County can feel overwhelming. Many families wait until a crisis happens before they start their search. But it is better to look early. Hospice care is not just for the final days. It is meant to support patients for months if needed. The thing is, many people do not realize how much help is available. You get access to nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They all work together to provide a full circle of care. Local providers in Ames know the community well. They often have strong ties to nearby hospitals and clinics. That local connection helps them get resources to your home faster. You are not alone in this process.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You need to be direct when you interview potential hospice partners. Here are a few questions to help you decide. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an urgent problem arises at night. This is a big deal. Second, ask how they handle pain management and keep the patient comfortable. You want to know they have a solid plan. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a key part of their job. Finally, ask if they have staff who can visit on weekends. Consistency in care is vital for peace of mind. Do not be afraid to ask these questions. It is your right to know.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. We can help you capture those memories for future generations to treasure.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
MARY GREELEY HOSPICE SERVICES
ST. ANTHONY REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME
MYRTUE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPICE
HOSPICE OF THE HEARTLAND
BURGESS HOSPICE
AVERA @ HOME OF SPENCER HOSPITAL
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Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
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