FIRSTHEALTH HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 251 CAMPGROUND ROAD
WEST END, NC 27376 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 4, 1988
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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 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 2 |
32
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 FIRSTHEALTH 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 2007.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how FIRSTHEALTH HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
9.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 23rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
159
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 day9.8 min
Ranks better than about 23% 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 weekends8.9%
Ranks better than about 61% 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 life97.7%
Ranks better than about 84% 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 visits28.8%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 care5.5%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 months40%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 care3.4%
Ranks better than about 70% 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)96th 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$12,591 · 21st 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 70.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment99.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.9%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life70.3%
- All care steps completed99.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer28%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease11%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Stroke21%
- Other conditions21%
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 West End
FirstHealth Hospice serves the community of West End, North Carolina, with dedicated end-of-life support. They provide medical, emotional, and spiritual care for families navigating difficult health journeys. Their team operates out of their office on Campground Road in Moore County. The thing is, choosing the right hospice is a major decision for your loved ones. FirstHealth focuses on comfort and dignity during these sensitive times. They have served the area for many years, offering a steady hand when you need it most. Whether managing pain or providing presence, their staff aims to support the whole family unit. It is a local choice that keeps your care close to home. That is a big deal when you want to spend more time together. They prioritize your peace of mind above all else.
About FIRSTHEALTH HOSPICE
FirstHealth Hospice is a non-profit organization. This matters because their focus stays on patient needs rather than profit margins. They have been Medicare certified since October 4, 1988. That is over three decades of service to the people of North Carolina. What most people do not realize is that non-profit status often means more resources go directly into bedside care. When you look at their history, you see a long-standing commitment to the Moore County area. Families should know that this provider meets strict federal standards for safety and service. They have built their reputation on reliability and trust over many years. When you call (910) 715-6000, you are reaching a team that understands the local landscape. They are prepared to walk this path with you. It is about steady, proven care for your family members.
Top-Tier Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in WEST END
Hospice is not a place, but a type of care. It happens wherever you call home. In West End, this means you can stay in your own bed surrounded by photos and memories. The goal is simple. It is about reducing pain and managing symptoms so you can focus on being together. Many think hospice is only for the very last days. But the truth is, you can start care much sooner to get the most benefit. Hospice teams include nurses, doctors, and social workers. They all work together to support the patient and the family. It is a team effort designed to lift the burden off your shoulders. You get specialized help for physical symptoms and emotional support for the hard days. And that support is available 24 hours a day, every single day.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice is a big step. Start by asking how quickly they can respond to an urgent call at night. You need to know that help is just a phone call away. Ask how they handle pain management for complex symptoms. It is also wise to ask how their staff will help your family cope with the emotional side of care. Do they provide volunteers for companionship or respite breaks? These little things make a massive difference in your daily life. Ask if they have experience with your specific health condition. It helps to have a team that knows what to expect. Finally, ask about their philosophy on comfort. You want a team that shares your values and respects your wishes. Take your time with these questions. You deserve clear answers before you decide.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. We offer tools to help you capture those precious stories and preserve them for future generations to cherish.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
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.