HEADWATERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, LLC
Provider Information
- Address
- 2625 WINNE AVE #A1
HELENA, MT 59601 - Medicare Certified Since
- December 17, 2023
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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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HEADWATERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, LLC compares to hospices nationwide.
19.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 94th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
13
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 day19.3 min
Ranks better than about 94% 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 weekends12.6%
Ranks better than about 82% 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 visits17.9%
Ranks better than about 90% 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 care66.7%
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 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)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$8,613 · 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.
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer24%
- Dementia19%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Other conditions22%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care
Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC serves the community of Helena, Montana. They provide end of life support for people living in Lewis and Clark County. The team focuses on comfort and symptom relief for patients with life limiting illnesses. Medicare certified them on December 17, 2023. This certification means they meet federal standards for hospice care. Families in Helena can look to them for professional support during difficult health transitions. They aim to help patients remain in their own homes whenever possible. It is a local option for those who need medical care and emotional support. The staff works with the primary doctor to manage pain and improve quality of life. They bring care directly to the patient's bedside. This helps keep the family unit together during a very hard time.
About HEADWATERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, LLC
This provider operates as a limited liability company within the state of Montana. They earned their Medicare certification in late 2023. This status is important because it shows the agency follows strict rules set by the government. These rules cover everything from staff training to how they handle emergency needs. Families should know that Medicare certification is not a guarantee of perfect service. It is a baseline for safety and operational standards. You can view their official quality scores on this directory page. These scores come from the Hospice Care Index managed by federal health officials. High ratings suggest the agency performs well on measures like visit frequency and pain management. Always verify that a provider is currently certified before you sign any paperwork. Ask them how they handle requests after normal business hours. This ensures you know what to expect when a medical need arises at night or on weekends.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in HELENA?
Hospice care in Helena focuses on the needs of the patient and their family. The care team usually includes nurses, aides, and social workers. They visit the home to provide medical and emotional support. A nurse manages the medication to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. A social worker helps the family with planning and emotional needs. The goal is to maximize the time spent together in a peaceful environment. Most hospice agencies in Montana operate with a mobile team. They travel to where the patient lives to provide care on a set schedule. Some agencies also offer volunteer services to sit with patients or run errands. You will find that hospice teams in this region emphasize local connections. They know the area and can help connect you to other community resources. This support network is a key part of the hospice experience for many residents.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a care team is a big decision for any family. You should feel comfortable with the people entering your home. Start by asking how quickly they can respond to a call at night. Ask how many staff members will be assigned to your loved one. It is also wise to ask about their specific experience with the patient's condition. You might want to know how they handle medication changes. Ask if they have staff available on weekends for routine visits. Another good question is how they coordinate care with your current doctor. Clear communication prevents confusion during a stressful time. Do not feel rushed to pick the first agency you call. Take the time to find a partner who listens to your concerns. You deserve a team that answers your questions with kindness and clear facts.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Preserving the unique history and wisdom of your loved ones is a gift for future generations. Capture their memories today.
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