PIONEER MEMORIAL HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 162 N MAIN STREET
HEPPNER, OR 97836 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 25, 2002
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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) | 4 |
| Physicians | 1 |
12
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 PIONEER MEMORIAL 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how PIONEER MEMORIAL 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.
3
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 weekends3.6%
Ranks better than about 6% 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 life85.7%
Ranks better than about 21% 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 visits66.7%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 months0%
Ranks better than about 97% 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)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$11,126 · 15th 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 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 48.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening95.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life48.3%
- All care steps completed77.3%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Pioneer Memorial Hospice
Pioneer Memorial Hospice serves families in Heppner and the surrounding Morrow County area. This provider operates as a hospital-based program to offer end-of-life care. They have provided these services to the community since their Medicare certification in the fall of 2002. Choosing a hospice provider often brings up many questions. You want to know that your loved one will get the care they need during a difficult time. This hospice offers a local option for those living in this part of Oregon. They focus on providing support for patients and their families when it matters most. It is a local resource with a long history of service in the region.
About Pioneer Memorial Hospice
Pioneer Memorial Hospice is a non-profit organization. Being non-profit means they focus on their mission rather than generating profit for owners. The team consists of 12 employees, including four registered nurses and one physician. That is a tight-knit group dedicated to patient needs. They have maintained Medicare certification for over two decades. This certification shows they meet federal health and safety standards. Families should know that hospital-based hospices often have quick access to medical equipment and support services. This can be helpful when needs change fast. You should ask how their hospital background shapes the way they deliver care at home. Understanding their structure helps you see how they manage daily tasks. They are a stable presence in Morrow County for those needing extra care.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Heppner?
Hospice care in rural Oregon focuses on bringing medical support directly to your home. In Heppner, families often rely on local providers to coordinate care with their existing doctors. The team at Pioneer Memorial Hospice uses their four registered nurses to monitor symptoms and keep patients comfortable. Having a physician on staff allows for clear guidance on medical treatments and pain management. This is a big plus for rural families. You get the benefit of a hospital-level team that comes to you. They work to ensure that every patient in Morrow County has access to professional support. The staff coordinates with family members to create a plan that fits the home environment. Care is about being present where you feel most safe. They bridge the gap between hospital care and home comfort for those who need it most.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask direct questions during your first meeting. Start by asking how the team handles emergencies after regular business hours. You need to know who answers the phone at night. Ask about the specific role of the registered nurses in your home. It is also wise to ask how often the physician visits the patient. Ask how they communicate changes in the care plan to your family. You might also ask how they support family caregivers who are doing the daily work. Clear answers help you feel confident in your choice. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity on any part of the care process. You are the partner in this plan. Good communication makes all the difference for your peace of mind.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. We can help you capture those memories and preserve them for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
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