VCHS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 400 SOUTH 23RD STREET
ORD, NE 68862 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 6, 2006
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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) | 1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 0 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
2
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 VCHS 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
- 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.
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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how VCHS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
14.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 70th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
15
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 day14.2 min
Ranks better than about 70% 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 weekends2.9%
Ranks better than about 4% 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 life87.6%
Ranks better than about 25% 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 visits19.3%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 months26.7%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 hospice6.7%
Ranks better than about 5% 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)79th 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$14,714 · 32nd 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 48.6% 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%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life48.6%
- 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.
- Cancer21%
- Heart and circulatory disease30%
- Other conditions19%
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 Ord
VCHS Hospice serves the community of Ord, Nebraska, and the surrounding Valley County area. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, and family support. Their team works to manage pain and symptoms while honoring the wishes of those they serve. Choosing a local provider often means the staff knows the community well. That matters when you are going through a hard time. They aim to help patients live their final days with peace and grace right at home. The goal is always to keep the patient safe and comfortable in familiar surroundings. It is a local choice for families who need expert medical care combined with a gentle, personal touch. Getting the right support can change everything for a family facing a terminal diagnosis. They focus on the person, not just the illness, throughout the entire journey.
About VCHS Hospice
VCHS Hospice operates as a government-owned provider. They have been certified by Medicare since October 6, 2006. This long history shows they have deep experience in meeting federal quality standards. Families should know that government-run programs often focus on serving the specific needs of their local county residents. They follow strict rules to ensure patients get the care they deserve. Because they are part of the local healthcare system, they can often coordinate care with other doctors or hospital services easily. That is a big advantage for continuity of care. You get a team that is accountable to the public and committed to the health of the Valley County area. They are located at 400 South 23rd Street. If you have questions about their specific services, a quick call to (308) 728-4355 can help you learn more about how they work with families like yours.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Ord
Hospice is about more than just medicine. It is about making every day count. In a town like Ord, hospice care connects you with neighbors who care about your family's well-being. Many people wait too long to ask for help because they think hospice means giving up. That is simply not true. The truth is that hospice provides an extra layer of support. It brings nurses, aides, and social workers to your door. They help with physical pain, but they also help with the emotional toll of a serious illness. And here is the thing: using these services early often leads to better quality of life. You do not have to walk this path alone. Local providers like VCHS Hospice offer a bridge between medical needs and the emotional comfort that every family requires during this transition. It is all about finding a balance that works for your specific situation.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right team is a deeply personal decision. You need to feel confident in the people entering your home. Start by asking how quickly they can respond if a crisis happens at night or on a weekend. You should also ask how their team handles pain management. Does the doctor work closely with your current primary physician? This is very important for keeping your care plan on track. Ask them what kind of support they provide for family caregivers, too. Burnout is real, and you need to know they have your back. Finally, ask how they celebrate or honor the life of the patient. The best providers treat patients like people, not numbers. Listen to your gut during the conversation. If a provider feels right, they likely are. The right team will listen to your concerns without rushing you to make a choice.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. We provide simple tools to help you capture these precious stories before they fade, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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PEACEFUL HEARTS HOSPICE, LLC
FAITH HEALTH HOSPICE
ANGELS CARE HOSPICE OF MCCOOK
Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one 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.
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
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.