ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 323 MAIN AVENUE SOUTH
PARK RAPIDS, MN 56470 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 16, 1994
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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 | 0 |
10
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 ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2015.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
12.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 52nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
20
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 day12.4 min
Ranks better than about 52% 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 weekends11.4%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 life97.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 visits51%
Ranks better than about 53% 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 months25%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 care6.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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$8,924 · 7th 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 81.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life81.4%
- All care steps completed98.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer27%
- Dementia27%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease7%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
St. Joseph's Hospice in Park Rapids
St. Joseph's Hospice provides end-of-life care for patients in Park Rapids, Minnesota. This provider operates as a non-profit organization based at 323 Main Avenue South in Hubbard County. They have offered hospice services since December 1994. The team holds accreditation from the Joint Commission, which shows they meet high standards for safety and care. They focus on helping families during a difficult time. Choosing the right support is a big decision for any family. This provider is part of the local healthcare system and works to meet the needs of the community.
About St. Joseph's Hospice
St. Joseph's Hospice functions as a non-profit entity. This status means their primary focus remains on patient care. The Joint Commission accreditation is a major mark of quality. This group checks hospitals and hospice programs to ensure they follow strict safety rules. When a hospice earns this seal, it means they pass regular, thorough reviews of their practices. Families should know that this provider has a long history of service in Minnesota. They have been Medicare certified for decades. Their team includes four registered nurses who work to manage symptoms and comfort. Being part of a hospital system allows them to coordinate care with other medical teams. This structure helps keep everything organized for your loved one. It is a stable choice for those who need reliable care in the region.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Park Rapids?
Hospice care in Park Rapids focuses on comfort and dignity. The goal is to manage pain so patients can spend time with family. St. Joseph's Hospice employs ten staff members to handle these needs. This team includes four registered nurses who visit patients to provide medical support. They work to ensure the home environment remains peaceful and calm. What most people do not realize is that hospice is not just about medical tasks. It is about supporting the whole family. The staff coordinates with doctors to keep the care plan current and effective. Having a local team means they can reach your home quickly when issues arise. They understand the resources available in the Park Rapids area. This local knowledge helps them connect families with extra help if needed. It makes a difference to have professional support nearby.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel comfortable with the people who care for your loved one. Start by asking how the team manages pain and other symptoms at home. It is also good to ask how they handle emergencies after business hours. You might want to know how often a nurse will visit your home. Ask about their plan for emotional and spiritual support for your family. Understanding how they coordinate with your current doctors is also wise. Finally, ask what specific services they offer beyond basic medical visits. Getting clear answers helps you make a choice that fits your family's needs. Do not be afraid to ask for more detail if you need it. Clear communication is a sign of a professional hospice team.
Preserve Family Stories
Capture the life lessons and memories of your loved ones to keep their legacy alive for future generations.
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