CONSTELLATION HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 38R MERRIMAC STREET, SUITE 201
NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 5, 2015
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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 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 8 |
17
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 CONSTELLATION 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
- Both supplied directly and through outside suppliers
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 CONSTELLATION HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
8.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 11th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
48
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 day8.4 min
Ranks better than about 11% 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 weekends6.5%
Ranks better than about 32% 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 life81.3%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 visits75.9%
Ranks better than about 18% 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 care1.4%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 months46.4%
Ranks better than about 25% 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 care7.2%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 hospice4.3%
Ranks better than about 14% 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$21,240 · 67th 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 59.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment96.1%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed94.9%
- Beliefs and values discussed91.2%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life59.9%
- All care steps completed89.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer10%
- Dementia58%
- Heart and circulatory disease9%
- Stroke6%
- Other conditions14%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
CONSTELLATION HOSPICE
Constellation Hospice serves the Newburyport, Massachusetts area from their office on Merrimac Street. They provide care for people who need medical support at the end of life. This provider holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. This third party group checks that the agency meets high standards for patient safety. They have been serving the community since 2015. Getting the right support is a big decision for your family. Understanding who is providing that care helps you feel more prepared. Their team works to meet the needs of those they serve in Essex County. You can reach them at 978-904-3059 to discuss what they offer. It is a local option for families in the area.
About CONSTELLATION HOSPICE
This is a for-profit hospice agency that has been certified by Medicare since late 2015. Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care shows that an outside group has reviewed their clinical practices. They look at how the agency manages records, safety, and training for their staff. This matters because it gives you proof of their dedication to quality. The agency employs 17 people in total. This group includes 7 registered nurses and 1 physician. They also work with 8 volunteers who spend time with patients. Having a diverse team is a good sign for care. It means they have different types of experts available to help your family. You should know that for-profit status means they are a business, but they must still meet the same federal rules as non-profit groups. They operate with a clear focus on their specific clinical goals.
High Quality Standards
What Is Hospice Care Like in NEWBURYPORT?
Hospice care in Newburyport focuses on comfort and pain relief for patients. The goal is to improve quality of life when a cure is no longer the main path. Staff members visit your home to provide support. They handle medicine, equipment, and emotional needs. The team at Constellation Hospice includes nurses and a doctor who oversee these medical tasks. Volunteers are also part of the team to offer extra company. This setup ensures that your family has professional help on hand. Most families find that having a team makes the daily routine much easier to manage. You can ask for visits at different times based on your needs. The team works together to create a plan that fits your specific situation. That is how hospice care works in this region.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice is a serious step for your family. You should get clear answers to help you pick the right agency. Start by asking how many nurses will be assigned to your case. It is also good to ask how they handle emergencies after business hours. You might wonder if they have staff available on weekends or holidays. Another good question is how they coordinate care with your primary doctor. Ask if they have experience with the specific health condition your loved one has. You can also ask about the role of their volunteers. Do they provide companionship or do they run errands? Getting these details helps you understand the level of support you will receive. Write these questions down before you call them. It helps you stay focused during the conversation.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift that should last for generations. Record your memories and stories today to keep them safe for the future.
Start PreservingOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
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.
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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What Nearly 17,000 Hospice Inspection Reports Reveal
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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.