APPALACHIAN HOSPICE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1414 SOUTH MAYO TRAIL
PIKEVILLE, KY 41501 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 25, 1991
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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) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 2 |
23
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 APPALACHIAN 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how APPALACHIAN HOSPICE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 45th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
43
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 day11.8 min
Ranks better than about 45% 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 weekends5%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 life96.8%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 visits11.3%
Ranks better than about 95% 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 care17.8%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 months24.7%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 care11%
Ranks better than about 31% 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 hospice5.5%
Ranks better than about 9% 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)74th 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$12,802 · 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 81.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.5%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.2%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life81.3%
- All care steps completed99%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer24%
- Dementia17%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
- Stroke8%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Pikeville
Appalachian Hospice Care provides end-of-life support services in Pikeville, Kentucky. They serve families across Pike County with a focus on comfort and dignity. Their team works to manage pain and improve quality of life during a difficult time. They offer skilled nursing, emotional support, and help with daily tasks for patients. Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. This team is dedicated to supporting your loved one at home or in a care facility. They bring expert care directly to where your loved one feels most at peace. Their goal is to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and kept comfortable throughout their journey. By choosing local care, you get a team that knows the community well. They are ready to help your family navigate these challenging days with grace and kindness.
About Appalachian Hospice Care
Appalachian Hospice Care is a for-profit hospice provider located on South Mayo Trail in Pikeville. They have been Medicare certified since April 25, 1991. This long history shows they have deep experience in providing hospice services to the region. Being Medicare certified means they meet strict federal standards for quality and safety. Families should know that this provider is held to regular inspections by government agencies. These checks ensure that patients get the high level of care they deserve. Their for-profit status is one factor for families to consider when comparing local options. You should feel comfortable asking them about their specific care approach and team structure. They have served the Pikeville community for many years. This longevity often brings a sense of stability to the families they help. Their team is there to answer your questions and guide you through the process of starting hospice care.
Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Pikeville
Hospice care is a special way of helping people who have a life-limiting illness. It is not about giving up hope. Instead, it is about shifting the focus to comfort and quality of life. In Pikeville, hospice teams often include nurses, social workers, and chaplains. They work together to support the patient and the entire family. This care can happen in your own home or in a nursing facility. The main goal is to manage pain and other symptoms so the patient can enjoy time with their loved ones. Families in Pike County have access to these services when they need them most. Hospice also provides support for family caregivers who may feel tired or overwhelmed. You do not have to walk this path alone. Having a professional team in your corner makes a big difference for everyone involved in the care of your loved one.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice team is an important step for your family. You should feel empowered to ask questions during your first meeting. Here are a few things you might want to ask to help you decide:
- How quickly can a nurse or doctor respond if we have an emergency at night or on a weekend?
- What specific services do you provide to support family members who are grieving?
- How does your team work with our current primary care doctor to manage symptoms?
- Can you explain how you handle pain management and how often a nurse will visit our home?
Take your time when asking these questions. The right provider will be happy to give you clear answers. They should make you feel supported and informed. Do not hesitate to reach out to multiple providers to see which one feels like the best fit for your family's needs and values.
Preserve Your Family's Story
This time is precious. We can help you record and save the stories and memories that matter most to your family. Start building your family legacy today.
Learn MoreOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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