UNITYPOINT HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 214 S 25TH ST
FORT DODGE, IA 50501 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 21, 1995
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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) | 13 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
31
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 UNITYPOINT 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how UNITYPOINT HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
23.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 98th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
49
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 day23.9 min
Ranks better than about 98% 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 weekends12.1%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 visits15.3%
Ranks better than about 92% 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 care10%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 months23.3%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 care3.3%
Ranks better than about 71% 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 hospice3.3%
Ranks better than about 22% 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$10,082 · 11th 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 89.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life89.1%
- All care steps completed100%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer24%
- Dementia13%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke4%
- Other conditions37%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
UnityPoint Hospice in Fort Dodge
UnityPoint Hospice serves the Fort Dodge community from their office on South 25th Street. They focus on comfort and support for patients facing serious illness. This team works hard to improve the quality of life for those in Webster County. The thing is, choosing the right support during a tough time is a big decision. They offer expert care tailored to the unique needs of each person they serve. Whether a patient is at home or in a facility, this team is ready to help. And they have been part of the local healthcare landscape for a long time. They understand the rhythm of life in Iowa. This helps them provide care that feels personal and kind. You want a team that knows your town and your neighbors. UnityPoint Hospice provides that local touch every single day.
About UnityPoint Hospice
UnityPoint Hospice operates as a non-profit organization. This structure often means the focus stays entirely on patient needs rather than profits. They have been Medicare certified since November 21, 1995. That is nearly three decades of service to the region. Families should know that this long history shows a deep commitment to the community. Being certified by Medicare means they follow strict federal rules for safety and quality. It is a baseline that ensures you get professional care. But they go beyond just meeting rules. Their team brings together doctors, nurses, and social workers to wrap care around the whole family. It is not just about the patient. It is about making sure the family feels supported too. When you see a provider with this much experience, it tells you they have handled many different situations. They have likely seen it all before. You can lean on their experience.
Top-Tier Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Fort Dodge
Hospice care is about living each day as fully as possible. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing comfort over hospital trips. In Fort Dodge, you have access to teams that specialize in managing pain and stress. Many people think hospice is only for the very last days of life. That is a myth. You can start these services much sooner to get the most benefit. The team can help with medical equipment and emotional support. They also give family caregivers a well-deserved break. That is a huge relief for tired parents or spouses. Local providers understand the challenges of rural healthcare, too. They know how to reach families living outside the city limits. So, do not wait until a crisis happens to look into your options. Start the conversation early. It gives you more time to focus on what matters most, which is spending time with the people you love.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your choice. Start by checking if the team can visit your home on short notice. That is a deal-breaker for many families. Here are a few more things to ask:
- How does your team handle pain management at night or on weekends?
- Can you tell me about the specific training your volunteers receive?
- How often will a nurse visit my loved one at home?
- What support do you offer for family members after a loss?
Preserve Your Family's Story
During this precious time, capturing memories and wisdom is a beautiful way to honor your loved one. Create a lasting tribute that future generations will cherish for years to come.
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Helpful Guides for Families
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
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Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
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.