MERCY HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1701 LACEY STREET
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO 63701 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 21, 1993
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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) | 8 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
19
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 MERCY 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how MERCY HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
22.3 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.
26
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 day22.3 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 weekends7%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 life98.3%
Ranks better than about 88% 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 visits9.6%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 care25%
Ranks better than about 1% 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 months37.5%
Ranks better than about 48% 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 hospice4.2%
Ranks better than about 15% 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)74th 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$10,449 · 12th 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 80.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.2%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life80.3%
- All care steps completed98.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer43%
- Dementia16%
- Heart and circulatory disease28%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care at Mercy Hospice
Mercy Hospice provides comfort-focused care to families in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. They focus on quality of life when a cure is no longer the goal. Their team works at 1701 Lacey Street to support patients and their loved ones. They help manage pain and offer emotional support during a difficult time. Choosing the right partner for this journey is a big decision. Mercy Hospice has served the local area for many years. They aim to keep patients comfortable in their own homes or care facilities. That is their main focus every single day.
About Mercy Hospice
Mercy Hospice has been Medicare certified since July 21, 1993. This long history shows they have deep roots in the Cape Girardeau community. Their ownership is listed as 'Other,' which often means they operate as part of a larger health system or non-profit group. That is a good thing for families. It means they have access to many resources and staff members. You should feel free to ask them about their specific team structure. They have helped many families in the Cape Girardeau county area for over three decades. Knowing they have been around for so long can provide peace of mind. Experience matters when you are looking for reliable care for someone you love.
Quality Care You Can Trust
Understanding Hospice Care in Cape Girardeau
Hospice is about living well for as long as possible. It is not just about the end of life. Most people think hospice is only for the final days, but that is a myth. You can start hospice care sooner to get the most benefit. The team in Cape Girardeau will visit you wherever you call home. They bring doctors, nurses, and social workers to your side. These pros handle the medical needs while you focus on being a family member. The goal is to reduce stress and keep your loved one comfortable. And the best part? Medicare covers most of these costs. You do not have to walk this path alone. There is help available right in your own backyard.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right provider can feel like a lot. Take a breath and focus on these simple questions. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You want to know someone is always on call. Second, ask how they handle pain and other symptoms. You need a team that acts fast. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a huge part of the hospice promise. Finally, ask about their experience with your specific health needs. Every person is different. You deserve a team that understands your unique situation. Do not be afraid to ask these questions during your first meeting.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories worth saving. We can help you capture those memories so they last for future generations to enjoy.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is complex. Our guide to Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits helps you manage costs, coverage, and care with confidence today.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
A federal fraud crackdown froze new hospice enrollments in 2026. Here's how to verify a hospice is legitimate, Medicare-certified, and safe to trust.
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.