COMMONWEALTH HOSPICE OF BERWICK
Provider Information
- Address
- 900 RUTTER AVENUE SUITE 20
FORTY FORT, PA 18704 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 27, 2001
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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 |
| Physicians | 1 |
10
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 COMMONWEALTH HOSPICE OF BERWICK 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 COMMONWEALTH HOSPICE OF BERWICK compares to hospices nationwide.
16.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 83rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
23
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 day16.1 min
Ranks better than about 83% 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 weekends10.1%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 life96.4%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 visits18.8%
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 care16%
Ranks better than about 7% 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%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 care4%
Ranks better than about 67% 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$10,447 · 12th 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 81.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life81.4%
- All care steps completed99.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer21%
- Dementia7%
- Heart and circulatory disease22%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Other conditions39%
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 Forty Fort
Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick serves the Forty Fort community from their office on Rutter Avenue. They provide dedicated end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients and their loved ones. Families in Luzerne County rely on them to manage pain and provide emotional support during a difficult season. The team understands that hospice is about more than just medicine. It is about making every day count. Choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with so much. Getting clear information early helps families make the best decisions for their loved ones. That is exactly what this guide aims to do for you today.
About Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick
This provider has been Medicare-certified since July 27, 2001. That is over two decades of experience in the hospice field. They operate under an 'Other' ownership structure, which is common for many local health organizations. Here is the thing—longevity often points to a stable team that knows how to navigate the local healthcare system. You want a partner who knows the local doctors and hospitals well. Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick has built a long history in Pennsylvania. They have worked through many changes in care standards over the years. When you meet with them, ask how their long history translates into better care for your family. A provider with deep roots usually has a strong network of support staff ready to help you at a moment's notice.
Understanding Hospice Care in Forty Fort
Hospice is a special type of care. It focuses on the person instead of the disease. In Forty Fort, families often find that hospice care allows their loved ones to stay at home longer. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free. You get a team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers who visit you. They help with physical needs, but they also offer spiritual and emotional support. Some people wait too long to start hospice. They think it is only for the very last days of life. That is a common myth. The truth is that hospice can provide support for months, not just weeks. Starting early allows the team to build a real relationship with your family. This bond makes a world of difference when things get tough.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered when you interview a hospice team. Do not be afraid to ask direct questions about how they operate. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night or on a weekend. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask what their plan is for managing pain and other difficult symptoms. Every patient has different needs, and the plan should be flexible. Third, ask how they support the family after the patient passes away. Grief support is a vital part of the hospice benefit. Finally, ask what the staff-to-patient ratio looks like for their team. A smaller caseload often means more time for your loved one. These answers will help you find the right fit for your family's unique situation.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your family has a history worth saving. During this time, capturing memories and stories can be a healing experience for everyone involved.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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POCONO HEALTH SYSTEM VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE
FAMILY HOSPICE
VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION OF VENANGO COUNTY, HOS
ASERACARE HOSPICE
WELLSPAN HOSPICE SERVICES
Helpful Guides for Families
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Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
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Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
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Some stories are worth writing down
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