VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 8527 BLUEJACKET DRIVE
LENEXA, KS 66214 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 4, 2006
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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) | 7 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 2 |
17
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 VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
20.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 95th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
46
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 day20.1 min
Ranks better than about 95% 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 weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 life98.1%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 visits32.6%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 care12.1%
Ranks better than about 17% 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 months36.4%
Ranks better than about 51% 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%
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 hospice9.1%
Ranks better than about 2% 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$19,635 · 59th 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 74.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening96.8%
- Pain assessment98.3%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed98.1%
- Beliefs and values discussed97.4%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.1%
- Visits in the last days of life74.9%
- All care steps completed93.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Heart and circulatory disease11%
- Lung and respiratory disease14%
- Stroke35%
- Other conditions12%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in Lenexa
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care serves patients and families in Lenexa, Kansas. They operate out of their office on Bluejacket Drive in Johnson County. This provider offers hospice care services to those with life-limiting illnesses. They have been Medicare certified since May 2006. This certification shows they meet federal standards for health and safety. The team works to provide care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. They help families manage symptoms while supporting emotional needs at home or in other care settings. Their presence in the community helps local residents access end-of-life support. Getting the right care is important for everyone involved. You can reach their office by calling (913) 722-1631 for more information about their local programs.
About VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
This hospice is a for-profit provider. Being a for-profit entity means they operate as a business while still following strict Medicare rules. They have maintained their Medicare certification for many years. That is a long time to serve a community. Medicare certification is not just a badge. It means they pass regular checks on how they run their business and treat patients. The staff includes 17 employees who keep things running. This team has 7 registered nurses and 1 licensed practical nurse. They also have 2 physicians on staff. These roles ensure that medical needs are handled by trained professionals. Families should know that hospice care is about managing pain and comfort. It is not about giving up hope. It is about choosing a different kind of care. They focus on the person, not just the disease.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Lenexa?
Hospice care in Lenexa focuses on the specific needs of patients in Johnson County. It brings medical support to wherever a person calls home. This could be a house, an apartment, or a care facility. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free. A team of experts handles this work. At this provider, the team includes nurses and doctors who visit often. They create a plan that fits the unique needs of each patient. And they adjust that plan as health changes. You will find that hospice teams communicate clearly with family members. They explain what medications are used and why. This helps everyone feel more in control during a difficult time. They aim to make each day as meaningful as possible. You are never alone with the right support team by your side.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision. You should ask clear questions to find the best fit. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. You need to know that help is available at night or on weekends. Second, ask how they handle pain and other symptoms. You want a team that responds fast to discomfort. Third, ask how they support family members with grief. Some providers offer counseling services for a year after the loss. And finally, ask about their experience with your specific health condition. It helps to know they have seen similar situations before. Write down the answers you get. Compare them to see which provider feels right for your family. Making a list helps you keep track of all the details during this time.
Preserve Family Stories
Your family history is a gift. Capture your loved one's voice, memories, and wisdom before it is too late.
Start RecordingOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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