POCONO HEALTH SYSTEM VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 502 VNA ROAD
EAST STROUDSBURG, PA 18301 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 10, 1987
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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 August 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 |
| Physicians | 1 |
26
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 POCONO HEALTH SYSTEM VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- 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 POCONO HEALTH SYSTEM VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
19.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 95th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
10
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 day19.7 min
Ranks better than about 95% 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 weekends11.8%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 life94%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits9.8%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 care5.3%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 months23.7%
Ranks better than about 82% 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 care5.3%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 hospice2.6%
Ranks better than about 30% 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)98th 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$7,399 · 4th 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 49.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.0%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed97.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life49.7%
- All care steps completed95.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer40%
- Dementia17%
- Heart and circulatory disease13%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Pocono Health System Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care
Pocono Health System Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care provides specialized end-of-life services for families in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. This local provider offers support to patients facing life-limiting illnesses. They focus on comfort, dignity, and symptom management throughout the care process. Being part of the Monroe County healthcare community allows them to work closely with local doctors and hospitals. They have served the area since 1987. That long history shows a deep commitment to the region. Families often look for providers with this much experience. Choosing a local team means your loved one stays close to home. It also means the staff knows the local resources well. This helps create a smooth care experience during a difficult time. Their mission is to provide quality care for those who need it most.
About the Provider
Pocono Health System Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care operates as a non-profit organization. Non-profit status often means the group puts any extra funds back into patient care. They received their Medicare certification in the summer of 1987. Having federal certification means they follow strict rules for safety and care standards. These rules exist to protect patients and their families. It is a big deal to maintain this status for so many decades. The team consists of 26 employees who manage the daily needs of their patients. This includes a dedicated physician, nine registered nurses, and one licensed practical nurse. Having a mix of skilled staff helps them address different medical needs as they come up. Families should know that these professionals work together to create a care plan. This plan centers on the specific wishes and medical goals of your loved one.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in East Stroudsburg?
Hospice care in East Stroudsburg focuses on making the final months of life as comfortable as possible. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing to prioritize comfort over aggressive treatments that may not help. The team at this agency includes nine registered nurses and one physician. These experts manage pain and handle medical tasks right in your own home. They visit regularly to check on the patient and support the family. Staff members also help with the emotional and social parts of care. You get a team that is trained to handle complex medical needs with kindness. Most families find that having this extra help makes a real difference in their daily lives. The goal is to keep your loved one in a familiar environment. They work to ensure the patient feels safe and cared for every single day.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You want to make sure you find a team that fits your specific needs. Start by asking how quickly they can respond to a medical crisis at night or on the weekend. You should also ask how they manage pain and other symptoms. It is helpful to know how often a nurse will visit your home. Ask them how they help family caregivers who might feel tired or overwhelmed. Do they offer extra support for the family after the patient passes away? These questions help you understand how the provider will support you. Make sure you feel comfortable with the answers they give you. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns and answers clearly. Good communication is the foundation of great hospice care.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom. Recording their stories is a meaningful way to honor their life and keep their legacy alive for future generations to cherish.
Start Recording StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
HOPE HOSPICE INC
COMMONWEALTH HOSPICE OF BERWICK
WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF HOME HEALTH
GENTIVA II
ASERACARE HOSPICE
VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION OF VENANGO COUNTY, HOS
Helpful Guides for Families
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
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.