HORIZON PUBLIC HEALTH
Provider Information
- Address
- 809 ELM STREET SUITE 1200
ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 11, 1995
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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) | 1 |
11
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 HORIZON PUBLIC 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HORIZON PUBLIC HEALTH compares to hospices nationwide.
15 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 76th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
32
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 min
Ranks better than about 76% 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 weekends6.1%
Ranks better than about 27% 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 life95.3%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 visits37.2%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 months22.2%
Ranks better than about 84% 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)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$14,078 · 29th 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 81.5% 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%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life81.5%
- 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.
- Cancer28%
- Dementia20%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Horizon Public Health
Horizon Public Health provides compassionate hospice care to families in Alexandria, Minnesota. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients. Their dedicated team serves the Douglas County area with expert end-of-life support. They aim to help patients live their final days with peace and grace. Families in Alexandria often look for local providers who understand their specific needs. Horizon Public Health works hard to meet those needs every single day. They offer professional care in a warm and supportive way. Choosing the right partner for hospice is a big decision. This provider is committed to serving the local community with care and respect. Their team is trained to help with both physical and emotional needs. They want to make sure every patient feels seen and heard. You can feel confident knowing they are a trusted resource in your area. They are here to walk this path with your family.
About Horizon Public Health
Horizon Public Health is a government-owned provider. They have been Medicare certified since February 11, 1995. This long history shows a strong commitment to standards and care. Being government-owned means they follow strict rules for safety and quality. Families should know that this provider has a long track record. They have spent many years helping people in the Alexandria area. This experience helps them handle complex needs with calm and skill. You can trust that they follow federal guidelines for hospice care. They focus on providing the best possible care for every patient. They value the trust families place in them during difficult times. Their staff is dedicated to the mission of hospice care. They strive to maintain high standards in everything they do. If you have questions about their history, their team is ready to talk. They are a stable and reliable choice for your loved one.
Understanding Hospice Care in Alexandria
Hospice care is a special kind of support for those with serious illness. It focuses on comfort rather than a cure. In Alexandria, families have access to high-quality hospice services. These services happen at home or in other care settings. The goal is to manage pain and help the patient feel comfortable. Hospice also offers support to the family members. This includes help with grief and emotional stress. It is a team effort involving doctors, nurses, and social workers. They work together to create a plan that fits the patient. Many families find peace knowing their loved one is in good hands. Hospice is not about giving up. It is about making sure every day is as good as it can be. You deserve to have support during this transition. Local teams in Minnesota are ready to help you navigate these choices. They provide care with kindness and deep respect.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice team is an important step for your family. You should feel comfortable with the people who will provide care. Here are some questions to help you decide:
- How quickly can your team respond if we have an emergency at night?
- What specific services do you offer to help with pain and physical comfort?
- How do you involve our family in the daily care plan for our loved one?
- What kind of emotional or spiritual support is available for our family?
Take your time when asking these questions. It is important to get clear answers that make you feel at ease. A good hospice provider will be happy to answer everything you ask. They understand that you need clear information to make the best choice. Trust your instincts when you talk with them. You are looking for a partner who shares your values. Your comfort is the most important part of this process.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is a chance to honor your loved one's life. Recording their memories and stories can be a beautiful gift for your family. Start gathering those precious moments today to keep their legacy alive for years to come.
Learn MoreOther Hospice Providers Nearby
MOMENTS HOSPICE OF ALEXANDRIA LLC
VIVIE HOSPICE
MAYO CLINIC HOSPICE
GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE
CARETENDERS HOSPICE
AVERA AT HOME SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA
Helpful Guides for Families
A Complete End of Life Planning Checklist for Families
Feeling overwhelmed by end of life planning? Use our comprehensive hospice planning checklist to organize your loved one's care and simplify difficult decisions.
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.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
Evaluating hospice care for a loved one? Use these 10 essential hospice questions to interview providers and ensure your family receives the best possible support.
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.