BITTERROOT HEALTH - HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1200 WESTWOOD DR
HAMILTON, MT 59840 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 10, 1991
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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 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
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 BITTERROOT HEALTH - HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
An older Medicare record for this hospice lists short-term inpatient care as “not provided.” That code may be out of date. Medicare requires certified hospices to make inpatient care available for symptom management and caregiver respite. Ask this hospice how it arranges a bed if symptoms become hard to manage at home.
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
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 BITTERROOT HEALTH - HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 46th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
21
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 day11.9 min
Ranks better than about 46% 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%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 life98.5%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 visits9.8%
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 care11.4%
Ranks better than about 19% 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 months20%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 care5.7%
Ranks better than about 58% 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)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$8,215 · 5th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 72.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.8%
- Visits in the last days of life72.9%
- All care steps completed98.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia17%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions11%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Hamilton
Bitterroot Health - Hospice provides essential end-of-life care for families in Hamilton, Montana. They serve the local Ravalli County area with a focus on comfort and support. Their team works to improve the quality of life for patients facing a serious illness. They offer medical, emotional, and spiritual help for those who need it most. Families can trust that their loved ones will receive care in a familiar and safe environment. Choosing the right hospice is an important step for your family's journey. Bitterroot Health - Hospice is dedicated to helping patients stay comfortable at home. They understand the needs of the Hamilton community. Their staff is trained to provide care that respects the wishes of every patient. You can reach them at (406) 363-6503 to learn more about their specific services. They are ready to support you during this difficult time.
About Bitterroot Health - Hospice
Bitterroot Health - Hospice operates as a non-profit organization. This means their focus is on patient care rather than profit. They have been Medicare certified since October 1991. This long history shows a commitment to meeting national standards for care. Being Medicare certified means they follow strict rules to keep patients safe. Families should know that this provider has a strong reputation for quality. They have earned an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This rating shows their dedication to high care standards. Their staff works hard to make sure every patient feels seen and heard. When you choose a non-profit provider, you are choosing a group that puts the patient first. They work closely with doctors and family caregivers. This creates a circle of support around the patient. You can feel confident in the care they provide to the Hamilton area.
Understanding Hospice Care in Hamilton
Hospice care in Hamilton focuses on comfort rather than a cure. It is for people who have a life-limiting illness. The goal is to manage pain and help the patient live well. Care often happens in the home where the patient feels most at ease. Hospice teams include nurses, aides, and social workers. They also offer spiritual support and grief counseling for families. This care is about honoring the patient's choices and dignity. Many families in Montana choose hospice to stay close to their loved ones. You do not have to walk this path alone. The hospice team will visit your home to help with daily tasks. They also provide medical equipment and medicine. This support helps family members focus on spending time together. Hospice is not just for the final days of life. It is best to start care as soon as you feel it is needed.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable asking questions to find the right fit. Here are a few things you might want to ask:
- How quickly can your staff arrive if we have an emergency at night?
- How do you help manage pain and other symptoms for the patient?
- What kind of support do you offer to family members during this time?
- How often will a nurse or aide visit our home each week?
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and wisdom to share. Capturing these memories can be a meaningful way to honor their life. We offer simple tools to help you record and save these precious moments for future generations.
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Helpful Guides for Families
How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
Learn how to start hospice conversations with your loved ones. Get expert scripts, signs it is time, and tools to find quality care near you with Hospice Scout.
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
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.