CLARK FORK VALLEY HOSPITAL HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 10 KRUGER RD
PLAINS, MT 59859 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 14, 2001
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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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 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 CLARK FORK VALLEY HOSPITAL HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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.
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 CLARK FORK VALLEY HOSPITAL HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 43rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
6
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day11.7 min
Ranks better than about 43% 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 weekends4.4%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 life93.8%
Ranks better than about 52% 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 visits37.5%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 care6.3%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 months31.3%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 care6.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 hospice6.3%
Ranks better than about 6% 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$9,096 · 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 57.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life57.4%
- All care steps completed100%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer49%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Hospice Care in Plains
Clark Fork Valley Hospital Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for families in Plains, Montana. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients during their final months. The team serves the local community from their office on Kruger Road. They know that this season of life is incredibly difficult. Their staff works hard to make sure patients feel safe and supported in their own homes. Whether you need help with pain management or emotional guidance, they are there to help. This team understands the unique needs of families in Sanders County. They offer a steady hand when things feel overwhelming. Choosing a local provider means they can get to your door quickly. That makes a big difference when urgent needs arise. You deserve a team that truly cares about your loved one.
About Clark Fork Valley Hospital Hospice
This provider has been Medicare-certified since November 14, 2001. That is over two decades of experience serving your neighbors. They operate as a for-profit organization. Some families wonder if that changes how care is delivered. The truth is, all Medicare-certified hospices must follow strict federal rules for care quality. They are held to the same high standards as non-profit groups. You should know that their office is located at 10 Kruger Road in Plains. They are deeply rooted in the Sanders County area. Being part of the local hospital system often helps them coordinate care better. That is a big deal when you are juggling doctor visits and medications. They have built a long track record of serving the Montana community. You can feel confident knowing they have been around for a long time.
Quality of Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Plains
Finding the right care in a rural setting can feel like a challenge. But living in Plains does not mean you have to sacrifice quality. Many people think hospice is just for the final days of life. That is a common mistake. Hospice is actually designed to help for months. It brings the nursing care, spiritual support, and supplies directly to your living room. The thing is, hospice is a team effort. You get a nurse, a social worker, and an aide. They all work together to ease the burden on your family. Because this provider is based in Sanders County, they know the local roads and the people here. That local knowledge matters. It helps them show up on time and provide care that feels personal. You are not just a number to them.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is a big decision. Do not be afraid to ask tough questions. First, ask how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain and symptoms. You want a team that is proactive, not reactive. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a huge part of what a good hospice does. Finally, ask if they have experience with your loved one’s specific health condition. Every illness is different. Getting clear answers helps you feel more in control of the process. Remember, you are the one in charge of this journey. Trust your gut when you talk to them.
Preserve Your Family's History
Every life is full of stories that deserve to be remembered. Capture these memories now to create a lasting legacy for your children and grandchildren.
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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.