1ST CARE PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE SERVICES
Provider Information
- Address
- 50 S OAK STREET
MOUNT CARMEL, PA 17851 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 16, 2011
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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) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
7
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 1ST CARE PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE SERVICES 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 1ST CARE PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE SERVICES compares to hospices nationwide.
17.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 89th 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 day17.6 min
Ranks better than about 89% 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 weekends8.4%
Ranks better than about 56% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits15%
Ranks better than about 93% 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 care20%
Ranks better than about 3% 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 months30%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 care30%
Ranks better than about 1% 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$14,081 · 29th 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 1 required care step for new patients here.
- Visits in the last days of life53.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer26%
- Dementia18%
- Heart and circulatory disease26%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
1st Care Palliative and Hospice Services
1st Care Palliative and Hospice Services provides hospice care to families in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. This local provider focuses on comfort and support for patients during their final months. They operate out of their office on South Oak Street in Northumberland County. The team is dedicated to serving the needs of the local community. They offer specialized care plans for those facing a life-limiting illness. Choosing the right care is a big decision for any family. This provider has been part of the Medicare system for over a decade. They work to maintain high standards of service for all their patients. Their presence in the area helps families find local support nearby. You can reach them directly at their office phone number to ask about their specific programs. They are ready to answer your questions about how hospice works in your home.
About 1st Care Palliative and Hospice Services
This organization operates as a for-profit hospice provider. They have maintained their Medicare certification since September 2011. Being Medicare certified means they meet federal rules for safety and care quality. Most families look for this certification when they start their search for hospice. It ensures the provider follows strict guidelines set by the government. The agency functions as a freestanding hospice rather than part of a hospital. This often allows for a more personal touch during home visits. They have a small, focused team of seven employees. This includes two registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also have a physician on staff to oversee medical care. Having a dedicated doctor and nursing team is standard for quality hospice care. You should feel comfortable asking about how their team coordinates with your current primary doctor. They must show that they can provide the right level of support for your loved one.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Mount Carmel?
Hospice care in Mount Carmel centers on comfort rather than a cure. The team comes to you. They visit patients in their own homes or in care facilities. Because this is a freestanding agency, they manage their own resources directly in Northumberland County. Their staff includes seven people who handle the daily needs of their patients. You get a team that includes one physician, two registered nurses, and one licensed practical nurse. These professionals work together to manage pain and other symptoms. They also provide emotional support for the family throughout the process. The goal is to keep the patient as comfortable and alert as possible. Care is available around the clock if an emergency happens. You can expect regular visits from the nursing staff to monitor your loved one. They provide the medical supplies and equipment needed for care at home. This allows families to focus on spending time together.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Asking the right questions helps you make a clear choice. Start by asking how the team handles pain management at night or on weekends. You want to know who you will talk to when the office is closed. Ask how often the nurse will visit your home each week. Find out how the staff will keep your family doctor in the loop about any changes in condition. It is also good to ask what happens if your loved one needs a higher level of care, such as an inpatient stay. Do they have a plan for that? You should ask how they handle spiritual or emotional needs for the family. Do not feel rushed during these talks. A good provider will take the time to answer every single question you have. They should be clear and open about their care process. Your comfort and understanding are the top priorities during this time.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories. We can help you save those stories today.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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