SOUTHWEST MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 2720 NORTH TENAYA WAY, STE 300
LAS VEGAS, NV 89128 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 15, 1990
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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 August 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) | 27 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 26 |
51
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 SOUTHWEST MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how SOUTHWEST MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
15.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 80th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
139
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 day15.6 min
Ranks better than about 80% 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 weekends9.3%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 life92.9%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 visits50.6%
Ranks better than about 53% 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 care9.9%
Ranks better than about 27% 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 months23.3%
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 care11.4%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 hospice2%
Ranks better than about 37% 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$14,486 · 31st 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 65.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.3%
- Pain assessment98.3%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.3%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.9%
- Beliefs and values discussed95.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids96.6%
- Visits in the last days of life65.1%
- All care steps completed93.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer35%
- Dementia12%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions24%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Las Vegas
Southwest Medical Associates Hospice and Palliative Care serves families in Las Vegas, Nevada. This provider offers end-of-life support and comfort care for patients with serious illnesses. They have been certified by Medicare for over three decades, starting in 1990. This long history shows they have stayed committed to local health standards for a very long time. Choosing the right hospice is a major step. Families need clear facts to make the best decision for their loved ones. This provider operates as a for-profit hospice located in Clark County. They focus on managing symptoms and improving comfort during the final stages of life. Their care team works hard to support both the patient and the family unit through difficult transitions.
About Southwest Medical Associates Hospice and Palliative Care
This organization operates as a for-profit freestanding hospice. They have a team of 51 employees dedicated to patient care. This staff includes 27 registered nurses and 2 physicians who oversee medical needs. They also have 26 volunteers who help provide social and emotional support to families. Being a freestanding hospice means they focus entirely on hospice care rather than being part of a larger hospital system. Many families find comfort in this specialized approach. Medicare certification since 1990 proves they have met federal rules for a very long time. That is a significant marker of stability. Families should understand that ownership status does not dictate the level of compassion provided. Instead, look at how the team supports your specific goals for comfort and quality of life. Ask them how their nurses and volunteers coordinate to ensure your loved one receives consistent care every single day.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Las Vegas?
Hospice care in Las Vegas follows federal rules set by Medicare. Most hospice services happen in the patient home, but some providers also offer inpatient care. The care team typically includes a doctor, nurses, social workers, and trained volunteers. Southwest Medical Associates Hospice and Palliative Care maintains a large staff to handle these needs. With 27 registered nurses on board, they have the capacity to respond to changing medical symptoms quickly. Local hospice providers must report their data to federal agencies to ensure transparency. This helps families see how well a provider manages pain and talks to patients. You can expect a team that visits regularly to check on comfort and safety. They also provide equipment and medicines related to the illness. The goal remains the same everywhere. They aim to keep the patient comfortable and supported in their own home environment.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask tough questions when interviewing a hospice provider. Start by asking how many nurses they have available for after-hours calls. You need to know who will answer the phone at 2:00 AM. Ask how they handle pain management changes during the night or on weekends. It is also wise to ask about their volunteer services. Find out what specific tasks volunteers perform to help the family. Ask how they keep the primary caregiver informed about the patient condition. You might also ask if they have experience with your loved one specific diagnosis. A good provider will answer these questions with patience and honesty. Take your time during these conversations. You deserve to feel confident in the team that will provide care for your family member.
Preserving Your Family Stories
The stories you share today are the legacy you leave for tomorrow. Learn simple ways to keep those memories alive for future generations.
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