HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 402 2ND AVE SE
CRESCO, IA 52136 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 19, 1996
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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) | 4 |
| Physicians | 2 |
14
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 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPICE 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 HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
14.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 73rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
21
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 day14.6 min
Ranks better than about 73% 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 weekends5.7%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 life98.2%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 visits3.5%
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 care4%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 months20%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 hospice4%
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)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$15,848 · 38th 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 87.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed98.4%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.9%
- Visits in the last days of life87.2%
- All care steps completed93.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia24%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support for Your Loved Ones
Howard County Community Hospice provides essential end-of-life care in Cresco, Iowa. They focus on comfort, dignity, and peace for families facing a difficult life transition. This team serves the Howard County region with a deep commitment to local patients. They help manage symptoms so your family can focus on what matters most—being together. Choosing a local provider often means the staff knows the community well. That makes a big difference when you need a helping hand nearby. Their office is located at 402 2nd Ave SE, making them a central resource for residents in the area. If you live in or near Cresco, this team is ready to walk this path with you. They bring medical care right to your home. This allows your loved one to stay in a familiar space. It is a simple way to offer comfort during a tough time.
About HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPICE
This hospice operates as a government-owned provider. They have been Medicare certified since June 19, 1996. That is nearly three decades of service to the people of Iowa. You should know that government-run programs often follow strict standards. They must meet federal rules to keep their certification active. This long history shows they are a stable partner for your family. What most people don't realize is that longevity in this field often points to a steady, experienced team. They have seen many changes in healthcare over the years. But their core goal has stayed the same. They aim to provide high-quality care that meets your specific needs. When you choose a provider with this much history, you get the benefit of their deep experience. It is comforting to work with a team that has been around this long. You can trust them to know the ropes.
Top-Tier Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in CRESCO
Finding the right care in a rural area like Howard County can feel like a challenge. But here is the thing: small-town hospice providers are often the best at personal connection. They understand the local culture and the people they serve. Hospice care is not just about medicine. It is about the whole person. This means they address physical pain, emotional stress, and spiritual needs. The team includes nurses, aides, and counselors who work together. They visit your home on a set schedule. If an emergency happens, they are just a phone call away at (563) 547-2989. You don't have to navigate these medical hurdles alone. The goal is to make every day as good as it can be. Whether it is managing a symptom or just lending a listening ear, they are there. That is the true value of having a dedicated hospice team in your own backyard.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have a choice in who provides care. It is smart to ask questions to see if a provider is a good fit. First, ask how quickly they can respond if you have a crisis at night or on the weekend. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain management and comfort. You want to be sure they have a clear plan for your loved one. Third, ask about the specific team members who will come to your home. Will you see the same nurse every time? Continuity matters when you are building trust. Finally, ask if they have experience with your loved one's specific illness. Every person's situation is unique. A good provider will be open and honest about how they can help. Don't be afraid to speak up. Your comfort is the top priority here.
Keep Their Stories Alive
Your family history is a treasure. We can help you record and save the precious memories and stories of your loved ones during this special time.
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