HOSPICE OF THE CHEROKEE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1630 N CEDAR AVENUE
TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 13, 2000
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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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
18
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 HOSPICE OF THE CHEROKEE 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
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF THE CHEROKEE compares to hospices nationwide.
14 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 68th 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 day14 min
Ranks better than about 68% 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 weekends4.2%
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 life91.5%
Ranks better than about 38% 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 visits53.2%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 care15%
Ranks better than about 17% 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)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$12,463 · 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 9.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.1%
- Pain assessment84.7%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment93.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids91.7%
- Visits in the last days of life9.5%
- All care steps completed84.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Heart and circulatory disease26%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of the Cherokee
Hospice of the Cherokee serves families in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This freestanding provider offers care for patients who need comfort and support. They have been certified by Medicare since July 2000. That is over two decades of local service. Finding the right care is a heavy choice for any family. This provider focuses on medical and emotional needs during a difficult time. Their team works in the Cherokee region to support those facing life-limiting illness. They provide care in the home or other settings. You deserve clear facts when picking a hospice team. Their long history of Medicare certification shows they follow national standards for patient care. It is a stable option for people in this part of Oklahoma.
About Hospice of the Cherokee
Hospice of the Cherokee operates as a non-profit organization. This means their focus stays on the care provided rather than profit margins. They earned Medicare certification in the summer of 2000. This certification requires them to meet strict federal rules. These rules cover everything from staff training to how they manage patient symptoms. Families should know that non-profit status often means any extra funds go back into patient services. It is a common model for hospice care in rural areas. They must pass regular reviews to keep their status. These reviews ensure they meet the needs of the community every single day. You can view their official survey results through federal databases. This transparency helps you see how they perform compared to others. Always look for providers that share their data openly. It is the best way to understand what kind of care your loved one will receive.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in TAHLEQUAH?
Hospice care in Tahlequah focuses on managing pain and keeping patients comfortable at home. The team at Hospice of the Cherokee includes 18 employees. This group includes three registered nurses and five licensed practical nurses who manage daily health needs. Two physicians guide the medical plan for each patient. They also have three volunteers who offer extra support. This mix of staff ensures that medical and emotional needs get met. Nurses visit often to check on symptoms and adjust medications as needed. The physicians oversee the plan to ensure it meets the patient goals. Volunteers can sit with patients or help with small tasks. Having a mix of nursing levels allows for consistent monitoring of the patient condition. It is a team effort. They work together to make sure the patient stays as peaceful as possible. This is the main goal of all hospice care in the area.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is a big step for your family. You should feel comfortable with the people entering your home. Start by asking how quickly they can respond if a crisis happens at night. You should also ask how they manage pain. Ask if they provide equipment like hospital beds or oxygen. These items are often part of the care plan. It helps to know which staff member will be the main point of contact for your family. Ask how often a nurse will visit the home. You should also ask if they offer help for family members after a death. This is called bereavement support. It is a standard part of hospice care. Take your time with these questions. You need to feel confident in the team you choose. Clear answers will help you make the right decision for your loved one.
Keep Family Memories Alive
During this time, recording stories and memories can be a comfort for your whole family. Learn how to preserve these moments.
Preserve StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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