CARTER HEALTHCARE HOSPICE OF EAST OKLAHOMA, LLC
Provider Information
- Address
- 200 E. HARRIS CIRCLE, SUITE A
TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 15, 2003
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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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 5 |
11
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 CARTER HEALTHCARE HOSPICE OF EAST OKLAHOMA, LLC 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 CARTER HEALTHCARE HOSPICE OF EAST OKLAHOMA, LLC compares to hospices nationwide.
18.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 92nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
14
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 day18.4 min
Ranks better than about 92% 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%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 life87.3%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 visits18.6%
Ranks better than about 90% 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 care3.1%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 months28.1%
Ranks better than about 73% 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 care15.6%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 hospice3.1%
Ranks better than about 24% 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$11,646 · 17th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 22.2% 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%
- Visits in the last days of life22.2%
- 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.
- Cancer25%
- Dementia28%
- Heart and circulatory disease34%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Carter Healthcare Hospice of East Oklahoma
Carter Healthcare Hospice of East Oklahoma is a freestanding hospice provider based in Tahlequah. They serve the Cherokee County area by offering specialized end-of-life care for patients and their families. The organization has been certified by Medicare since the summer of 2003. This long history shows their commitment to meeting federal safety and quality standards over many years. Choosing a provider with this much experience can offer peace of mind during a difficult time. Their team is ready to help you understand your options for care in the comfort of your own home or a facility. It is a local choice for those seeking professional support in Oklahoma.
About CARTER HEALTHCARE HOSPICE OF EAST OKLAHOMA, LLC
This hospice operates as a for-profit organization in the state of Oklahoma. They have held Medicare certification for over two decades. This certification means they must follow strict rules set by the federal government to keep their doors open. These rules cover everything from staff training to how they manage patient pain. Families should know that this provider holds high marks for their quality of care. Their score on the Hospice Care Index reflects strong performance across several measured areas. These scores are based on real data collected by Medicare to ensure providers meet high standards. It is helpful to look at these metrics when comparing your local options. The goal is to find a team that fits your specific needs. You can ask them directly about their recent survey results to learn more about how they handle daily care tasks for their patients.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in TAHLEQUAH?
Hospice care in this part of Oklahoma relies on a team approach to manage symptoms and support emotional needs. At this location, the staff includes two registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. These nurses handle the clinical side of care while a physician oversees the medical plan. They also have five volunteers who provide extra companionship for patients and their families. This mix of clinical and volunteer support helps ensure that care is well-rounded. The team works together to create a plan that fits the unique preferences of every person they serve. You can expect regular visits from the clinical staff to check on health changes. If you have questions about how these services work in your home, the staff can explain the process. They focus on comfort and quality of life for everyone involved in the care plan.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right care team takes time and careful thought. You should start by asking how often a nurse will visit your home. It is also wise to learn how they handle urgent needs during the night or on weekends. Ask about the specific experience of the staff members who will be assigned to your case. You might also want to know how they involve family members in the daily care plan. Does the provider offer support for grief after a loss? Understanding their approach to pain management is also very important for your comfort. Do not be afraid to ask for details about their recent quality scores. Good providers will be open and honest about their performance and how they support their patients. These answers will help you make a choice that feels right for your family.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capture the memories and wisdom of your loved ones to keep their legacy alive for future generations to cherish.
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