SIERRA HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 201 N CHURCH ST, SUITE 300
LAS CRUCES, NM 88001 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 11, 2004
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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) | 9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
22
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 SIERRA 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how SIERRA HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
9.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 18th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
73
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 day9.3 min
Ranks better than about 18% 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 weekends4.3%
Ranks better than about 10% 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 life97.5%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 visits43.8%
Ranks better than about 62% 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 care5.9%
Ranks better than about 53% 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 months30.9%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 care14.7%
Ranks better than about 18% 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 hospice1.5%
Ranks better than about 44% 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$20,031 · 61st 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 74.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment98%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life74.2%
- All care steps completed98.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer13%
- Dementia34%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Other conditions25%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Serving Las Cruces Families
Sierra Hospice provides end-of-life care for patients in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They serve the Dona Ana County area from their office on North Church Street. Their team focuses on comfort and support for patients during their final months. Choosing a provider is a big step for any family. You want a team that feels like partners in care. Sierra Hospice has been working with local families since 2004. That is two decades of experience in the community. They aim to help patients live their final days with dignity and peace. The team is ready to answer your questions about how care works. It is helpful to know who is nearby when you need support. Having a local team can make a real difference in how quickly they respond to your needs. They are there to listen and guide you through every single step of this difficult journey.
About Sierra Hospice
Sierra Hospice has been Medicare certified since June 11, 2004. They operate as an 'Other' ownership type, which is common for many local providers. This certification means they follow strict federal rules for patient care. It also means they can accept Medicare benefits to pay for services. Most families find it comforting to know a provider has been around for a long time. It shows they have a track record in the local area. The thing is, hospice is about more than just medical tasks. It is about building a bond with your family. You should look for a team that shares your values and understands your goals. They should be able to explain how they handle pain and keep your loved one comfortable at home. Ask them how they manage emergencies after hours. You deserve to feel confident in the team you choose to help your loved one during this time.
Quality Care Insights
Understanding Hospice Care in Las Cruces
Las Cruces families have access to several hospice options. Most providers offer care wherever the patient calls home. This might be a private house, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. The goal is always the same. They want to manage pain and help the patient stay as comfortable as possible. But the services can vary from one group to the next. Some teams have more staff available on weekends. Others might have specific programs for veterans or those with complex needs. It is important to know that you are not stuck with the first choice you make. You can change providers if the fit is not right. The best way to learn is to call and talk with them. Ask about their staff size and how they handle visits. You will get a feel for their style just by talking on the phone. Trust your gut when you speak with them.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is a big decision. You should feel comfortable asking tough questions. Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You want to know they have someone on call 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain management and symptoms like trouble breathing. It is vital to know they have a solid plan for comfort. Third, ask how they support the family members who are also struggling. Do they offer counseling or help with daily tasks? Finally, ask about their staff turnover. A team that stays together often gives better care. Don't be afraid to take notes. You are doing a hard job by looking for the right care. Getting clear answers now will help you feel much better when the time comes to start services.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
This time of life is for sharing memories and honoring the unique path of your loved one. We provide simple tools to help you capture these stories for future generations.
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