VISITING NURSES HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 200 MAINE STE C (3RD FLOOR)
LAWRENCE, KS 66044 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 1, 1992
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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) | 4 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
11
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 VISITING NURSES 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how VISITING NURSES HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
13.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 66th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
34
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 day13.8 min
Ranks better than about 66% 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 weekends6.2%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 visits33.5%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 care8.8%
Ranks better than about 34% 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 months29.4%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 care2.9%
Ranks better than about 73% 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)87th 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$12,771 · 22nd 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 86% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.7%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.1%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life86%
- All care steps completed98%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer34%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Other conditions26%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Visiting Nurses Hospice in Lawrence
Visiting Nurses Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for residents in Lawrence, Kansas. They focus on comfort, dignity, and support for the whole family during a difficult transition. You can find them on the third floor at 200 Maine Street. The team works hard to ensure patients in Douglas County receive the care they deserve right where they live. That is their primary goal. They have been serving this community since 1992, which shows they have deep roots here. Choosing the right team makes all the difference when a loved one is facing a serious illness. This provider offers a steady hand during a time that often feels overwhelming for everyone involved. Their office is easy to reach at (785) 843-3738 if you have questions about their specific services or how they can help your family today.
About Visiting Nurses Hospice
This hospice operates as a non-profit organization. That is a big deal because it means their focus stays on patient needs rather than earning a profit for shareholders. They earned their Medicare certification back in May 1992. That is over three decades of experience in the hospice field. Families should know that non-profit status often allows for more flexibility in how they use their resources to support you. They have built a long track record of serving the Lawrence area with care and transparency. When you look for a partner in hospice, checking their history is a smart first step. You want someone who knows the local medical system well. Visiting Nurses Hospice has been part of the fabric of Douglas County for a long time. They understand what local families need to feel supported, safe, and heard during their most vulnerable moments.
High Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Lawrence
Finding the right hospice in Lawrence means looking at more than just a list of names. You need a team that knows the local hospitals and the community resources available in Douglas County. Most families start their search after a doctor mentions that curative treatments are no longer the best path. It is a tough conversation to have. But hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing a different kind of care that prioritizes peace and comfort above all else. Many providers in Kansas offer similar services, but the culture of the team matters most. You want people who will sit with you, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions without rushing. The goal is to make every single day count. That is the true heart of the hospice mission in our local community.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Do not be afraid to ask hard questions when you interview a potential hospice team. You are the advocate for your loved one. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an urgent need arises at night or on a weekend. That is a vital detail. You should also ask how they handle pain management and if they have a specific doctor who oversees the care plan. It helps to know how they support the family emotionally, too. Ask if they offer volunteers for companionship or help with chores. And finally, ask about their experience with your loved one's specific diagnosis. You deserve clear, honest answers that help you feel confident in your choice. Take your time. You are building a team that will walk this path with you.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. We can help you record these stories so they are never forgotten by future generations.
Preserve Your HistoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE AT HAYSMED
INTERIM HEALTHCARE OF KANSAS CITY, INC
ENHABIT HOSPICE
HOSPICE THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM
TRADITIONS HEALTH
PRAIRIE WIND HOSPICE LLC
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.
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.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored 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.