NORTH OAKS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 15790 PAUL VEGA, MD DRIVE
HAMMOND, LA 70403 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 21, 1992
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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) | 4 |
| Physicians | 2 |
14
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 NORTH OAKS 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how NORTH OAKS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
21.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 97th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
4
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 day21.7 min
Ranks better than about 97% 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 weekends5.4%
Ranks better than about 19% 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 life90%
Ranks better than about 31% 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 visits6.9%
Ranks better than about 97% 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 months0%
Ranks better than about 97% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% 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$6,259 · 2nd 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 7 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 52.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life52.4%
- All care steps completed97.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Other conditions21%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
North Oaks Hospice in Hammond
North Oaks Hospice serves families in Hammond, Louisiana. This provider operates as a hospital-based program to deliver end-of-life care. They hold accreditation from the Joint Commission. This group has served the local community since 1992. Their team focuses on medical support for patients in Tangipahoa County. It is a non-profit organization. The provider maintains a high standard of care for their patients and families. You can reach their office on Paul Vega, MD Drive. They aim to provide comfort when it matters most.
About North Oaks Hospice
This hospice operates as a non-profit provider. Being non-profit means they focus on patient needs rather than profit margins. They earned certification from Medicare in 1992. That is over thirty years of experience in the field. They also hold accreditation from the Joint Commission. This organization reviews hospitals and clinics to ensure they meet strict safety rules. They look at how a facility manages patient care and records. Meeting these standards shows a commitment to high-quality service. Families should know that this provider works hard to meet national benchmarks. Their focus stays on the patient every single day. You can feel better knowing they meet these outside standards for safety and care. It offers peace of mind for families during a hard time.
Top Quality Marks
What Is Hospice Care Like in Hammond?
Hospice care in Hammond involves a team approach to comfort and pain relief. The team at North Oaks Hospice includes 14 employees who work together to help patients. This group features four registered nurses and two physicians. These experts manage symptoms and provide medical support at home or in a facility. They work under the guidance of doctors to keep patients comfortable. That is their primary goal. The nurses monitor changes in health and adjust plans as needed. Having doctors on the team allows for quick medical decisions. This structure helps families feel supported by trained staff. The care happens in the patient home or wherever they reside. It is about making each day as good as it can be for everyone involved.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice is a big decision for your family. You should ask questions to understand how they work. Start by asking how quickly they can respond to a medical need at night or on weekends. It helps to know if they have staff on call around the clock. Ask how they help with pain and other symptoms. You should also ask how they support family members with grief. Will you have a specific nurse assigned to your loved one? Does the team include volunteers or social workers? Getting clear answers helps you feel ready. Do not feel rushed to pick a provider. Take your time to find the right fit for your needs.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Every life has a unique story worth saving for future generations. Capture your memories and values to create a lasting legacy for your loved ones.
Start Your StoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
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