ST CROIX HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 2231 SW WANAMAKER RD
TOPEKA, KS 66614 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 17, 2004
Are you this hospice's administrator? Update your information
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) | 5 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
15
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 ST CROIX 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ST CROIX HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
16.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 83rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
100
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 day16.1 min
Ranks better than about 83% 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 weekends8.8%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 life96%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 visits29.5%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 care6.5%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 months28%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 care10.8%
Ranks better than about 32% 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 hospice1.1%
Ranks better than about 49% 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)52nd 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$16,682 · 43rd 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 74.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life74.3%
- All care steps completed99.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer17%
- Dementia20%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke18%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
St. Croix Hospice in Topeka
St. Croix Hospice serves families in Topeka, Kansas from their office on SW Wanamaker Road. They offer specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients facing serious illness. The team works to manage pain and support emotional needs for both patients and their loved ones. Families in Shawnee County can reach them directly at (785) 256-9632 to discuss care options. Choosing the right hospice is a major decision during a difficult time. Getting the right support can make a world of difference for your peace of mind. This team is dedicated to providing quality care when it matters most. It is about making every day count and ensuring that patients feel heard and cared for throughout their journey.
About St. Croix Hospice
St. Croix Hospice is a for-profit provider that has been Medicare certified since March 17, 2004. Being certified for two decades shows a long history of serving the community. When you look for a hospice provider, it is helpful to know how long they have been in the field. That is a long track record of service. Because they are a for-profit organization, they follow specific rules set by Medicare to ensure quality. Understanding the ownership type can help you know what to expect. Most families find that asking about their history helps build trust. The team in Topeka is part of a larger network that holds itself to high standards. They focus on meeting the needs of the whole family, not just the patient. That said, it is always a good idea to meet with their staff to see if they are the right fit for your specific situation.
Quality Care Highlights
Understanding Hospice Care in Topeka
Hospice care in Topeka is designed to support the whole person. It is not just about medicine. It is about comfort, companionship, and emotional support. Many people think hospice is only for the very last days of life. The truth is that hospice can provide help for months. Getting started sooner allows the team to build a better relationship with your family. In Shawnee County, you have several choices for care, but not all providers are the same. Some focus on specific types of illnesses while others provide general support. The thing is, hospice is a benefit covered by Medicare, which means there is no cost for most families. You deserve to have a team that listens to your goals. And you should feel comfortable asking them how they handle emergencies at night or on the weekends. That is the kind of support that really helps families breathe a little easier.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Talking to a hospice provider can feel overwhelming. It helps to have a list of questions ready before you call. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can come to your home if an emergency happens. You should also ask how they help with pain and other symptoms. That is a big deal. Another great question is how often a volunteer or social worker will visit. Support for the family is just as important as medical care for the patient. You might also ask how they coordinate with your current doctor to keep everyone on the same page. Do not be afraid to ask for examples of how they support different family needs. A good provider will be happy to answer these questions clearly. They want you to feel confident in the care they provide. If you feel rushed, that is a sign to keep looking for a better fit.
Preserve Your Family's Unique Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. Capturing these stories now creates a beautiful gift for future generations to treasure forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
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.
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.