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 August 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 treatment99.0%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life74.3%
- All care steps completed99.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer17%
- Dementia20%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke18%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
St. Croix Hospice in Topeka
St. Croix Hospice operates in Topeka, Kansas, to provide end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones. They are a freestanding hospice provider that has served the community since 2004. This provider holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, or ACHC. This means an outside group checked their work to ensure they meet high standards for safety and care. They maintain a team that includes five registered nurses to support patient needs. Choosing a hospice provider can feel heavy, but having clear information about their history and structure helps families make an informed choice for their specific situation.
About St. Croix Hospice
St. Croix Hospice is a for-profit organization. They have been certified by Medicare for two decades. Accreditation matters because it shows a commitment to better care. The ACHC reviews hospice agencies to confirm they follow federal and state rules. They look at how the staff manages pain, how they communicate with families, and how they keep records. A provider with this badge shows they value outside feedback on their performance. This agency employs 15 staff members in total. They do not currently have volunteers on their team. Families should ask how these staffing levels affect the daily care of their loved ones. Knowing who will be in the home allows for a clearer picture of the support available each day. That is how you find the right fit for your family.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in TOPEKA?
Hospice care in Kansas focuses on comfort when a cure is no longer the goal. Teams visit patients at home or in care facilities to manage symptoms. They provide medical equipment, medications, and emotional support for the whole family. In Topeka, this care relies on a team of professionals. At St. Croix Hospice, the team includes five registered nurses who handle clinical tasks. These nurses work to keep patients comfortable and pain-free. They also coordinate with doctors to adjust treatment plans as health changes. Care is personal. It happens where the patient lives. Most families find that having a dedicated nurse makes a massive difference in daily comfort. The goal is to keep the person at home as long as they wish. This helps maintain a familiar routine during a difficult time.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Families have many questions when looking for hospice care. Start by asking how often a nurse will visit the home. You should also ask who to call when there is an emergency at night or on a weekend. It is wise to ask how they handle pain management and if they have experience with your specific diagnosis. Ask about their backup plans if a staff member cannot make a visit. Finally, ask what specific items or equipment they supply. Getting these answers early provides peace of mind. A good provider will answer these questions with patience and clarity. Do not be afraid to ask for details about their team or their response times. You deserve to know exactly how they will support your loved one during this time. Clear answers are the best way to start this partnership.
Preserve Family Stories
Your family history is a gift. Keep your memories safe and share them with the people you love most.
Start PreservingOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
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 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.
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.
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.