HOSPICE OF CENTRAL MONTANA
Provider Information
- Address
- 408 WENDELL AVE
LEWISTOWN, MT 59457 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 7, 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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 0 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 13 |
5
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 HOSPICE OF CENTRAL MONTANA 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 That code may be out of date.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 2017.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF CENTRAL MONTANA compares to hospices nationwide.
19.4 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.
8
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 day19.4 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 weekends12.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 life96.9%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 visits15.8%
Ranks better than about 92% 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 months23.1%
Ranks better than about 83% 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)67th 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$9,058 · 8th 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 43.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment96.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment82.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.4%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life43.8%
- All care steps completed85.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer33%
- Dementia19%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Support in Lewistown
Hospice of Central Montana serves families in the Fergus County area from their office on Wendell Avenue. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients nearing the end of their journey. Choosing a local team means your loved one gets care from people who truly know the community. This team provides specialized medical and emotional support right where you live. It is a vital resource for anyone in Lewistown needing extra help during a difficult time. Their mission centers on honoring each person's unique story. You can trust them to guide you through the complexities of end-of-life care with grace and patience. They have been a steady presence in Montana for decades now. When you choose them, you are choosing a team that understands the local landscape and the specific needs of families in our state.
About HOSPICE OF CENTRAL MONTANA
This provider operates as a non-profit organization. That is a big deal because it means their focus stays entirely on patient needs rather than profit margins. They have been Medicare certified since September 7, 1993. That is over thirty years of experience serving the Central Montana region. Being certified for this long shows a deep commitment to meeting federal safety and care standards. Families should know that non-profit status often allows for more flexible community-based programs. They are not just checking boxes; they are looking for ways to improve your daily experience. The team follows strict guidelines to ensure that your loved one stays safe and comfortable. If you have questions about how their non-profit status helps you, just ask them directly. They are there to support you through every step of this process. It is about building trust over time.
Top-Tier Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in LEWISTOWN
Finding the right care in a rural area like Fergus County can feel overwhelming. The thing is, hospice is not a place you go to give up. It is a service that comes to you. Whether your loved one is at home or in a facility, the hospice team brings the care to their bedside. They manage pain, provide emotional support, and help families navigate the final stages of life. The goal is always to keep the patient comfortable and surrounded by the people they love. In Lewistown, having access to such high-quality care makes a world of difference. You do not have to walk this path alone. The team works hard to make sure you have the supplies and the knowledge you need. It is about empowering you to focus on being a family member rather than a caregiver. That is the true value of local support.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You need to feel confident in the team you pick. Start by asking these simple questions to get a clear picture of their care. First, ask: "How quickly can a nurse get to our home if we have an emergency at night?" You want to know they are ready when you need them most. Second, ask: "What specific support do you offer to help my family cope with grief?" Emotional support is just as important as medical help. Third, ask: "How do you handle changes in pain or comfort levels on weekends?" You need to know their schedule and availability. Finally, ask: "Can you explain the role of the hospice volunteer in our care plan?" Volunteers can provide a nice break for tired family members. Getting these answers upfront will help you feel more at peace with your decision. Take your time and make sure you feel heard.
Preserve Your Family's Precious Stories
During this time, the memories you share become your most valuable treasure. We help you record and save your loved one's life stories so they are never forgotten.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
Evaluating hospice care for a loved one? Use these 10 essential hospice questions to interview providers and ensure your family receives the best possible support.
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.