CENTRAL PLAINS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 835 MERIDIAN AVENUE
COZAD, NE 69130 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 5, 1995
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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) | 5 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
11
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 CENTRAL PLAINS HOSPICE 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how CENTRAL PLAINS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
9.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 19th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
10
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 day9.4 min
Ranks better than about 19% 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 weekends3.3%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 life82.8%
Ranks better than about 17% 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 visits38.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 care14.3%
Ranks better than about 10% 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 months28.6%
Ranks better than about 72% 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)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$8,767 · 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.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 25.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment98%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life25.7%
- All care steps completed97.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer28%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Other conditions23%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Central Plains Hospice in Cozad
Central Plains Hospice serves the Cozad, Nebraska community from their office on Meridian Avenue. They provide dedicated end-of-life care for families in Dawson County and the surrounding area. Their team focuses on comfort and support during a difficult season of life. Choosing a hospice is a major decision for any family. You want a team that balances professional care with genuine heart. That is exactly what they aim to do every single day. They have been providing these essential services to the local community for many years. It is a relief to have a local option that understands the specific needs of families in this part of the state. Whether you are just starting to look or need care right away, they are there to help guide you through the process.
About Central Plains Hospice
Central Plains Hospice is a non-profit organization. This is a big deal for many families. It means their main goal is patient care rather than making a profit for investors. They have been Medicare certified since April 5, 1995. That is nearly three decades of experience serving their neighbors. Being Medicare certified means they meet strict federal standards for safety and care quality. You should know that they are located at 835 Meridian Avenue in Cozad. Their team works hard to keep families at the center of every decision. They understand the emotional weight of this time. It is not just about medical equipment or medicine. It is about honoring the person and supporting the people who love them most. They offer a stable, long-standing presence in the Dawson County area for those who need it most.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Cozad
Hospice care is for people with a serious illness who choose comfort over curative treatments. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing to live each day with as much peace and dignity as possible. In Cozad, you have access to teams who can visit your home to help manage pain and stress. The thing is, many families wait too long to call. They think hospice is only for the very last few days. But the truth is, you can start care much sooner. Early support helps families build a relationship with their care team. It also gives the patient more time to focus on what matters to them. Whether that is sitting on the porch or spending time with grandkids, hospice makes it easier. You do not have to walk this path by yourself.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels overwhelming. Start by asking clear questions to get the answers you need. 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 what their plan is for managing pain and other symptoms. You should expect a clear answer about how they keep the patient comfortable. Third, ask how they support the family emotionally. Do they offer grief counseling or spiritual support? Finally, ask how they coordinate with your current doctor. A good team keeps everyone in the loop. The goal is to make sure the patient feels heard and safe. Do not be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need. It is your right to understand the care plan completely.
Preserve Your Family's Story
This time is hard, but it is also a chance to capture memories and stories that will last for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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BROOKESTONE HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE
CHADRON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HOSPICE
ST. JOSEPH VILLA HOMECARE & HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
Struggling to talk about end-of-life care? Learn how to start the hospice conversation with your aging parents using these compassionate, expert-backed tips.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
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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.
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.