IOWA RIVER HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 502 PLAZA HEIGHTS ROAD
MARSHALLTOWN, IA 50158 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 28, 1986
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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) | 20 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 1 |
49
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 IOWA RIVER 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 IOWA RIVER HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
29.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 99th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
28
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 day29.8 min
Ranks better than about 99% 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 weekends34.3%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 life92.2%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 visits46.5%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 care7.8%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 months35.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 care5.9%
Ranks better than about 57% 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)92nd 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$7,664 · 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 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 31.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.2%
- Pain assessment31.2%
- Breathing difficulty screening96.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment95.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.7%
- Beliefs and values discussed95.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids91.8%
- Visits in the last days of life54%
- All care steps completed61.2%
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%
- Dementia6%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease7%
- Other conditions38%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Providing Compassionate Care in Marshalltown
Iowa River Hospice serves the Marshalltown area with dedicated end-of-life support. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for every person they serve. Whether at home or in a care facility, their team works hard to meet the physical and emotional needs of families. They have been a staple in the community for decades. Choosing the right support during this time is a heavy task. But having a local team that knows the area makes a real difference. They offer care that centers on what matters most to your loved one. It is about living each day to the fullest. That is the core mission of their work here in Iowa.
About Iowa River Hospice
Iowa River Hospice operates as a non-profit organization. This means they put all their focus back into patient care rather than profits. They have been Medicare certified since February 1986. That is nearly forty years of continuous service to Marshall County. Such a long history shows they have deep roots and reliable experience. Families should feel good knowing this provider has met federal standards for a very long time. They are located at 502 Plaza Heights Road in Marshalltown. The thing is, choosing a non-profit often means finding a team deeply connected to local values. They understand the rhythm of life in this part of the state. You are not just a number to them. You are a neighbor in need of expert, compassionate guidance.
Exceptional Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Marshalltown
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about changing the goal of care to comfort and peace. In Marshalltown, you have access to teams that include doctors, nurses, and social workers. They come to you. They manage pain so your loved one can stay alert and comfortable. Many families wait too long to ask for help. That is a mistake. The sooner you reach out, the more support you receive. It is not just for the final days or hours. You can get help for months if needed. The team also supports you as a caregiver. They offer emotional help, respite breaks, and guidance on what to expect next. You do not have to carry this burden alone. Help is right around the corner.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You need to feel confident in your choice. Start by asking how quickly they can respond if a crisis happens at night. Ask how they manage pain and other symptoms. You should also ask how their team will support you as a family member. Do they have volunteers who can sit with your loved one? Can they help with spiritual or emotional needs? It is also wise to ask how they handle changes in the patient's condition. A good provider will answer these clearly. If they seem rushed or give vague answers, keep looking. This is a big decision. Take your time to find the right fit for your family's needs. Trust your gut feeling when you talk to them.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one's life is full of wisdom and memories that deserve to be kept safe for future generations. Start capturing their unique story today.
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Helpful Guides for Families
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How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
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.