BURGESS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1600 DIAMOND STREET
ONAWA, IA 51040 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 9, 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 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) | 14 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 8 |
34
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 BURGESS 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 BURGESS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
18.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 92nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
8
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 day18.7 min
Ranks better than about 92% 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 weekends8.7%
Ranks better than about 59% 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 life98.5%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 visits17.1%
Ranks better than about 91% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months21.1%
Ranks better than about 86% 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 care10.5%
Ranks better than about 33% 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)67th 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$11,215 · 15th 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 80.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening93%
- Pain assessment93.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.5%
- Visits in the last days of life80.3%
- All care steps completed82.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer30%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Other conditions25%
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 Monona County
Burgess Hospice serves the residents of Onawa, Iowa, and the surrounding Monona County area. They offer specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients. Their team works closely with families to manage pain and support emotional needs during a difficult time. Choosing hospice is a big decision, but having local support makes a real difference. Burgess Hospice has been a fixture in the community since 1995, providing consistent care when families need it most. They are dedicated to honoring the wishes of those they serve while providing peace of mind to their loved ones.
About Burgess Hospice
Burgess Hospice is a for-profit provider that has been Medicare-certified since March 1995. That is nearly three decades of experience serving the Onawa region. When you look for a hospice, ownership type is one detail to consider, but the quality of care is what really matters. This provider has maintained a strong track record of service for many years. Families should feel confident knowing the team understands the local landscape and regulatory standards. They focus on meeting the medical and spiritual needs of patients in their own homes or care facilities. The goal is always to keep the patient comfortable and surrounded by the people they love. That is the true heart of hospice care.
Understanding Hospice Care in Onawa
Finding the right hospice in rural Iowa can feel like a daunting task. The truth is that hospice care is about more than just medicine; it is about human connection. In a smaller town like Onawa, providers often have deep roots in the community. This can lead to a more personal approach to care. Most hospice services include nursing, social work, and chaplain services to support the whole person. And the best part is that Medicare covers these services for eligible patients. You do not have to walk this path alone. Reach out to local providers to see how they can support your specific family situation. It is okay to ask for help before things become an emergency.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have the right to choose the provider that fits your family best. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if a problem arises. Ask about their plan for pain management and how they involve the family in daily decisions. You should also ask how they support the family after a loss. These conversations help you see if their values align with yours. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity if a term is confusing. The right provider will be patient and explain everything in simple, clear language. Take your time to get the answers you need to feel comfortable with your choice.
Preserving Your Family's Story
During this time, the stories and memories of your loved ones are more precious than ever. We offer resources to help you document their life and legacy for future generations.
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Helpful Guides for Families
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.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is complex. Our guide to Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits helps you manage costs, coverage, and care with confidence today.
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.