HOSPICE OF MERCY
Provider Information
- Address
- 315 18TH AVENUE
HIAWATHA, IA 52233 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 3, 1989
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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) | 19 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
43
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 MERCY reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- 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 2015.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF MERCY compares to hospices nationwide.
15.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 79th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
88
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 day15.5 min
Ranks better than about 79% 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 weekends10.5%
Ranks better than about 73% 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 life97.5%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 visits23.6%
Ranks better than about 86% 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 care18%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 months24.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 care3.1%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 hospice0.8%
Ranks better than about 53% 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)94th 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$8,898 · 7th 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 82.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.7%
- Pain assessment99.7%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life82.9%
- All care steps completed98.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer28%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease13%
- Lung and respiratory disease14%
- Stroke4%
- Other conditions27%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha
Hospice of Mercy serves families in Hiawatha, Iowa, and the surrounding Linn County area. They provide compassionate end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients. Their dedicated team works to ensure that every person receives support tailored to their unique needs. Whether managing pain or providing emotional comfort, they strive to keep patients in their own homes whenever possible. It is a local resource for those facing a terminal illness. You can reach their team directly at (319) 398-6496 to discuss care options. They have deep roots in the community and understand the local landscape of support. Choosing a provider is a big decision. Knowing you have a reliable team nearby can offer real peace of mind during a difficult time. Their mission centers on the well-being of the patient and the family unit. That is the core of their service in Iowa.
About Hospice of Mercy
Hospice of Mercy operates as a non-profit organization. This structure often means they prioritize patient outcomes over financial gain. They earned their Medicare certification back in October 1989. That is over three decades of experience serving the community. Families should know that this long history suggests stability and deep knowledge of hospice regulations. Being non-profit also means they often reinvest resources back into their care programs. They are located at 315 18th Avenue in Hiawatha, Iowa. This location is central for many residents in Linn County. The thing is, choosing a provider with such a long track record can provide extra comfort. You are working with a group that has helped neighbors for generations. They understand the rhythm of life in this part of the state. It is not just about medical care. It is about supporting a family through one of life's most challenging chapters with steady hands and clear guidance.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Hiawatha
Hospice care in Hiawatha works to improve quality of life when a cure is no longer the goal. It is not about giving up. Instead, it is about shifting the focus to comfort. The team includes nurses, social workers, and chaplains who visit the patient wherever they call home. They manage symptoms like pain or shortness of breath. But they also offer emotional support for the whole family. Many people wait too long to start hospice. That is a common mistake. Early care allows the team to build a better relationship with the patient. It helps the family feel more prepared for what comes next. In Linn County, there are several resources available, but Hospice of Mercy stands out for its long-standing presence. The goal is to provide a sense of calm. You want a team that feels like an extension of your own family. That support makes all the difference in the world.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels overwhelming. Take a deep breath and keep these questions in mind. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to the home if an emergency happens at night. You need to know that help is available around the clock. Second, ask how they handle pain management. Every patient has different needs, so you want a plan that is flexible. Third, ask how they support family caregivers. Burnout is real, and you need to know they provide respite care to give you a break. Finally, ask what volunteers can do to help. Volunteers often provide simple things like reading or sitting with a patient to offer company. These small acts of kindness matter. Don't be afraid to ask these questions during your first meeting. A good provider will welcome your curiosity. They should be transparent about their services and their team. Your peace of mind is the most important thing here.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. Capturing these stories now creates a lasting treasure for future generations to cherish forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
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