MILLE LACS HEALTH SYSTEM HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 200 NORTH ELM STREET
ONAMIA, MN 56359 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 28, 2010
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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) | 1 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 5 |
2
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 MILLE LACS HEALTH SYSTEM 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how MILLE LACS HEALTH SYSTEM HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
16.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 84th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
3
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day16.3 min
Ranks better than about 84% 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 weekends2%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 life75%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 visits21.4%
Ranks better than about 88% 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)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$17,369 · 47th 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.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Onamia
Mille Lacs Health System Hospice serves the people of Onamia, Minnesota. They provide specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity. Their team works right in the community to support families during difficult seasons. They understand the local area and the unique needs of those living in Mille Lacs County. You deserve care that feels like home. This team is dedicated to keeping patients comfortable in their own surroundings. They bring medical help and emotional support directly to your front door. It is about making every day count. Whether you need help with pain or just someone to listen, they are ready to help. Having local support makes a big difference when you are facing tough health choices. You do not have to walk this path alone.
About MILLE LACS HEALTH SYSTEM HOSPICE
Mille Lacs Health System Hospice has been certified by Medicare since May 28, 2010. This gives families a long history of oversight to look back on. They operate as an 'Other' ownership type, which is common for community-based health systems. That is a good sign because it often means they are tied to local hospital networks. What does this mean for you? It means they follow strict federal rules for safety and care quality. You should know that Medicare certification is not just a label. It requires them to meet high standards every single year. They have served the area for over a decade now. That kind of longevity shows they are a stable part of the local health landscape. Choosing a provider with a proven track record can bring real peace of mind to your family.
Quality You Can Trust
Understanding Hospice Care in ONAMIA
Hospice is about living well for as long as possible. Many people think hospice is only for the very last days of life. The truth is, hospice can provide support for months. It focuses on the whole person. They manage pain, but they also care for the spirit. In a place like Onamia, care is often personal and close-knit. You might see the same nurses and aides each week. That creates a bond of trust that is hard to find elsewhere. The team helps with medications, supplies, and equipment at home. They also offer guidance to family members who are acting as caregivers. It is a team effort. You get a nurse, a social worker, and an aide all working for you. Having this support system in your corner makes the daily routine much easier to handle.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice is a big decision. You should feel comfortable asking hard questions. Start by asking how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You also need to know how they handle pain management at night or on the weekends. Ask about their volunteer program too. Volunteers can offer companionship and give family caregivers a much-needed break. Another great question is how often the doctor checks in on the care plan. You want to be sure that the plan changes if your loved one's needs change. Do not be afraid to ask about their experience with your specific health condition. A good provider will be happy to explain their process clearly. The right team will be patient and kind while you find the answers you need.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
This time is precious. We can help you record the memories and values that define your family, ensuring they are never lost.
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