UNITYPOINT HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 3731 UNIVERSITY AVE
WATERLOO, IA 50703 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 15, 2011
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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) | 9 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
21
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
- Both supplied directly and through outside suppliers
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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how UNITYPOINT HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
15.4 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.
50
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 day15.4 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 weekends11.6%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 life97.8%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 visits52.5%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 care7.4%
Ranks better than about 43% 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 months37%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 care3.7%
Ranks better than about 69% 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)95th 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$10,326 · 12th 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 79.7% 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 life79.7%
- 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.
- Cancer23%
- Dementia22%
- Heart and circulatory disease16%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions29%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care at UnityPoint Hospice
UnityPoint Hospice serves families across Waterloo, Iowa, from their office on University Avenue. They provide comfort-focused care for people facing a life-limiting illness. Their team works to manage pain and help patients live each day with dignity. The goal is to keep patients in their own homes whenever possible. This care is about supporting the whole person and their family. It is a dedicated approach to end-of-life care that focuses on quality of life above all else. When you choose them, you get a team that knows the Waterloo community well. They are there to walk beside you during a very difficult season of life. You do not have to face this journey alone. The focus remains on what matters most to your loved one today. That is the heart of hospice care in Black Hawk County.
About UnityPoint Hospice
UnityPoint Hospice operates as a non-profit organization. This is a big deal because it means their focus stays on patient needs rather than profit margins. They have been Medicare certified since September 15, 2011. That is over a decade of experience providing care to the local community. Being Medicare certified means they meet strict federal standards for quality. You should know that non-profit status often allows teams to reinvest resources back into patient programs. They offer a range of services designed to help with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It is important to feel comfortable with the people entering your home. You can expect a professional team that follows national guidelines for end-of-life support. They have been a part of the Iowa healthcare landscape for a long time. Choosing a long-standing provider can give your family extra peace of mind during a stressful transition.
Quality Performance Snapshot
Understanding Hospice Care in Waterloo
Finding the right care in Black Hawk County can feel like a heavy task. The good news is that Waterloo has several resources to help families find their way. Hospice is not a place you go to die. It is a service that comes to you. Most care happens in your own home or a local nursing facility. The thing is, many families wait too long to call for help. They think hospice is only for the very last days. That is simply not true. You can get support for months if you qualify. Early care helps manage pain and prevents unnecessary hospital trips. And it gives family caregivers a much-needed break. Local providers like UnityPoint understand how to work within the Waterloo health system. They coordinate with your doctors to make sure your loved one stays comfortable. You deserve a team that listens to your specific concerns.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have the right to ask hard questions before choosing a team. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. You need to know that someone is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain management and symptoms. A good provider will have a clear plan to keep your loved one comfortable. Third, ask about the volunteers and social workers they have on staff. These people provide the emotional support that families often need most. And finally, ask how they involve the family in the care plan. You are the expert on your loved one, not the staff. They should always include you in big decisions. Do not feel rushed to pick a provider. Take your time to find a team that feels like a good fit. Trust your gut feelings during these interviews.
Preserve Your Family's Story
This time of life is filled with memories that deserve to be kept safe. We can help you record the stories and wisdom of your loved ones to share with future generations.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
Evaluating hospice care for a loved one? Use these 10 essential hospice questions to interview providers and ensure your family receives the best possible support.
How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
Struggling to talk about end-of-life care? Learn how to start the hospice conversation with your aging parents using these compassionate, expert-backed tips.
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.