BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY
Provider Information
- Address
- 25 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE, SUITE 272
PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 9, 2005
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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) | 24 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 21 |
38
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 BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY 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 BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY compares to hospices nationwide.
12.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 51st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
120
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 day12.3 min
Ranks better than about 51% 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 weekends7.6%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 life97.9%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 visits62.7%
Ranks better than about 36% 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 care5.6%
Ranks better than about 56% 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 months37%
Ranks better than about 49% 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)92nd 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$15,252 · 35th 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 83.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment99.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life83.6%
- All care steps completed99.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia26%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Stroke13%
- Other conditions10%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Beacon Hospice
Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company, provides hospice care services in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They earned Medicare certification in 2005. The team holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. This group focuses on end of life support for local residents in Rockingham County. They operate as a freestanding hospice provider. Their team works to meet the needs of each patient. Choosing a hospice is a major step. This provider offers a clear record of service in the Portsmouth community. They bring years of experience to your family. You can reach their office at 25 New Hampshire Avenue to learn more about their specific care approach.
About BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY
This provider operates as a for-profit organization. They have been Medicare certified since early 2005. Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care shows that they follow strict national standards. These standards cover clinical care and safety. The commission reviews providers to ensure they meet high benchmarks. This matters because it gives families a sign of quality. You should know that their internal team includes 24 registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also work with a physician and 21 volunteers. This mix of staff helps ensure that patient care remains steady. A large volunteer group often adds extra support for families. They aim to provide consistent service. You can ask them how these staff members work together during your first meeting.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in PORTSMOUTH?
Hospice care in Portsmouth focuses on comfort and quality of life. The team visits patients wherever they call home. This might be a private house or a care facility. They provide medical support to manage pain and symptoms. The staff includes nurses and doctors who specialize in this type of care. They also offer emotional and spiritual support for the whole family. Having 24 registered nurses on staff means they have a deep bench of clinical support. The goal is to keep patients comfortable in their own surroundings. They help with daily tasks and medicine. It is about making each day better. You will find that hospice teams work closely with your own doctors. They act as a bridge for your medical needs. This keeps everyone on the same page during a difficult time.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Families should always ask specific questions before they sign up for care. First, ask how quickly a nurse can reach your home in an emergency. Speed matters. Second, ask how they handle pain management during the night or on weekends. You want to know that help is ready at all hours. Third, ask how their volunteers assist with daily needs or respite care. These helpers can provide a break for family caregivers. Finally, ask what the process looks like if your needs change suddenly. A good provider will have a clear plan for your situation. Do not be afraid to ask for details. You deserve clear answers about your care options. Taking the time to ask these questions helps you feel more prepared for the coming weeks.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift. We offer tools to help you record and save your favorite memories during this time.
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