HEARTLAND HOSPICE (KANSAS CITY)
Provider Information
- Address
- 4731 SOUTH COCHISE DRIVE, SUITE 120
INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 5, 1996
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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 August 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) | 18 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
38
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 HEARTLAND HOSPICE (KANSAS CITY) 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HEARTLAND HOSPICE (KANSAS CITY) compares to hospices nationwide.
16.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 86th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
101
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 day16.7 min
Ranks better than about 86% 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 weekends7.3%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 life96.2%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 visits37.9%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 care7.2%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 months46.8%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 care13.7%
Ranks better than about 21% 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 hospice2.9%
Ranks better than about 26% 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)81st 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$18,310 · 52nd 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 70.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.1%
- Pain assessment98.0%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.9%
- Visits in the last days of life70.8%
- All care steps completed95.0%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer21%
- Dementia13%
- Heart and circulatory disease36%
- Lung and respiratory disease16%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions13%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Independence
Heartland Hospice serves families throughout Independence, Missouri, and the surrounding Jackson County area. They offer specialized end-of-life care designed to bring comfort and dignity to patients in their final months. The team focuses on managing pain and helping families find peace during a difficult season. Whether care happens at home or in a facility, they prioritize the patient's wishes above all else. Finding the right support makes a world of difference. Heartland Hospice is a non-profit organization, which means their main goal is serving the community rather than making a profit. That is a big deal when you are looking for honest, patient-centered care. They have been certified by Medicare since 1996, showing they have a long history of meeting federal standards. When you choose them, you are choosing a team with decades of experience in the local area.
About HEARTLAND HOSPICE (KANSAS CITY)
Heartland Hospice operates as a non-profit provider. This is important because it often reflects a deep commitment to the mission of care. They are located at 4731 South Cochise Drive, Suite 120, in Independence. Being a non-profit means they often reinvest their resources back into patient services and staff training. They have maintained Medicare certification for over 28 years, which is a sign of stability. What most people do not realize is that not all hospices are the same. Some focus on specific types of illnesses while others offer broader support. Heartland brings a long track record to the table. If you live in Jackson County, their local presence means they understand the specific resources available in your neighborhood. You can reach them directly at (816) 943-1798 to ask about their specific programs or to see if they are a good fit for your loved one's unique needs.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in INDEPENDENCE
Hospice is about more than just medicine. It is a philosophy of care that treats the whole person. In Independence, many families use hospice to help manage pain and emotional stress at home. The goal is to improve the quality of life when a cure is no longer the main focus. Medicare covers these services for eligible patients, making it accessible for many seniors. That said, choosing a provider is still a major decision. You want a team that responds quickly when you call. You also need a team that coordinates well with your primary doctor. Heartland Hospice works within the local healthcare system to ensure your loved one gets consistent care. It is about building a bridge between medical needs and the emotional comfort of home. When you have the right support, you can focus on making memories rather than worrying about logistics.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Asking the right questions can help you feel more confident in your choice. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if there is a sudden crisis at night or on the weekend. You should also ask how they involve the family in the care planning process. It is important to know if they provide grief support after the patient passes away. Here are three key questions to keep in mind:
- How does your team handle pain management when symptoms change suddenly?
- Will my loved one have the same nurse visiting them on a regular basis?
- How do you support family caregivers who are feeling burned out or tired?
The answers to these questions will tell you a lot about their culture. Do not feel rushed to pick a provider. Take your time to find a team that feels like a partner. You deserve to feel comfortable with the people entering your home.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Every life has a unique story worth saving. During this time, capturing memories and wisdom can be a beautiful way to honor your loved one and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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ELEVATE HOSPICE
SHALOM HOSPICE
ELARA CARING
MISSOURI PALLIATIVE & HOSPICE CARE NORTHWEST, LLC
HARBOR HOSPICE OF MISSOURI, LP
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Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
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