TRADITIONS HEALTH
Provider Information
- Address
- 303 WEST 21ST AVENUE
COVINGTON, LA 70433 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 28, 2004
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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) | 10 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 0 |
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 TRADITIONS HEALTH 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how TRADITIONS HEALTH compares to hospices nationwide.
15.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 80th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
33
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 day15.7 min
Ranks better than about 80% 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 life89.1%
Ranks better than about 28% 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 visits43%
Ranks better than about 63% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months54.5%
Ranks better than about 12% 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 care13.6%
Ranks better than about 21% 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 hospice4.5%
Ranks better than about 13% 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$24,225 · 79th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 68% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life68%
- All care steps completed100%
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%
- Dementia24%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care in Covington
Traditions Health serves families in Covington, Louisiana, from their office on West 21st Avenue. They provide specialized hospice care focused on comfort and quality of life. Choosing hospice is a deeply personal decision for any family. This provider works to manage symptoms while keeping patients in the place they call home. They support the whole family during this transition. It is about making every day count. Their team knows the St. Tammany area well. That local focus helps them provide timely and responsive care when families need it most. Hospice is not just about medical tasks. It is about dignity and peace for your loved one. The team at Traditions Health understands this balance well. They bring years of experience to every home visit. You deserve a team that listens to your specific needs and concerns during this time.
About Traditions Health
Traditions Health operates as a for-profit hospice provider. They earned their Medicare certification on October 28, 2004. That gives them two decades of experience serving the community. What does for-profit mean for you? It means they are accountable to specific standards set by federal regulators. Medicare certification is a big deal. It proves they meet strict quality and safety rules. The thing is, all hospice providers must follow these same core guidelines. Traditions Health has shown a long history of staying within these rules. When you choose a certified provider, you get the peace of mind that comes with regular inspections. They have a proven track record in the St. Tammany region. You should feel comfortable asking them about their specific care approach. They are there to help you navigate the paperwork and the care plan. It is their job to make things easier for your family.
Quality of Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Covington
Hospice care in St. Tammany Parish aims to improve life when a serious illness progresses. Many people think hospice is only for the final few days. That is a common mistake. The truth is that hospice can provide support for months. It focuses on pain relief and emotional health. The team includes nurses, social workers, and volunteers who visit you. They work together to keep the patient comfortable and safe. You can receive this care in your own home or a facility. The main goal is to reduce stress for the patient and their caregivers. So, how do you know if it is time? Doctors usually suggest hospice when a cure is no longer the main goal. It is about choosing comfort over aggressive treatments. You have the right to ask questions about these services. Getting the right support early makes a huge difference for everyone involved.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels like a heavy task. Start by asking how quickly they can respond to an urgent call at night. You want to know that help is just a phone call away. Ask them how they handle pain management and medication delivery. It is vital to know that your loved one will get what they need without delay. Also, find out how often a nurse will visit the home. Some families need daily visits while others need less. Finally, ask how they support family members with grief. Does the provider offer counseling or support groups? These services are often included in your hospice benefit. Do not be afraid to ask these hard questions during your first meeting. A good provider will be happy to explain everything clearly. You are the expert on your loved one’s needs. Make sure the team you choose matches those needs perfectly.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family's history is a treasure. We help you record and save those important memories and stories for future generations to cherish forever.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
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.
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.