MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE UPSTATE
Provider Information
- Address
- 528 HOWELL ROAD, SUITE 20
GREENVILLE, SC 29615 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 29, 2004
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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) | 18 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 5 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
49
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 MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE UPSTATE 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE UPSTATE compares to hospices nationwide.
10.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 29th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
74
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 day10.4 min
Ranks better than about 29% 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 weekends6.7%
Ranks better than about 35% 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 life94.1%
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 visits61.4%
Ranks better than about 38% 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%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 months37.8%
Ranks better than about 47% 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 care9.2%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 hospice1.7%
Ranks better than about 41% 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$17,557 · 48th 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 73.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.2%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.6%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.2%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.6%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids96.2%
- Visits in the last days of life73.2%
- All care steps completed96.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer22%
- Dementia33%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Expert Care in Greenville
Medical Services of America Hospice of the Upstate provides compassionate end-of-life care in Greenville, South Carolina. They focus on comfort, dignity, and peace for patients facing a life-limiting illness. The team works hard to manage pain and support the emotional needs of every person they serve. Here’s the thing—hospice is about living each day as fully as possible. They offer expert medical help right at home or in a care facility. By choosing local care, families get support from people who truly know the community. This team has been serving the area for many years. They prioritize the wishes of the patient above all else. When you are looking for care in Greenville, this provider offers a strong foundation of support for your loved one. It is all about providing comfort during a very difficult time in your life.
About MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE UPSTATE
This hospice has been Medicare-certified since September 29, 2004. That is a long history of serving the Upstate region. Being a for-profit provider, they operate with a specific structure that focuses on efficiency and quality standards. You might wonder what that means for your family. The main takeaway is that they must meet strict federal rules to keep their certification. They have been doing this for two decades. That kind of longevity matters. It shows they understand the complex needs of patients in Greenville County. Families should know that this provider maintains a clear focus on the standards set by Medicare. They have built their reputation over many years of service. It is not just about the medical care. It is about the trust they have earned from the community since 2004. That is a big deal for any family seeking reliable support.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in GREENVILLE
Greenville has a variety of hospice options, but finding the right fit takes some thought. The thing is, hospice is not a place. It is a philosophy of care meant to help you and your family navigate the final stages of life. Most people want to stay in their own homes. Thankfully, providers here in Greenville bring the equipment and medicine to you. They manage symptoms so you can focus on being together. What most people don't realize is that hospice care is about more than just medicine. It includes social workers, chaplains, and volunteers who offer extra hands. This support network is vital. In a growing city like Greenville, you have access to excellent resources. But you need to choose a team that matches your family's values. It is a big decision, so take your time to look at the options available in your local area.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Asking the right questions helps you feel more in control. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens. That is a key piece of information. You should also ask how they handle pain management during the night or on weekends. It is important to know that they are always available. Ask how they involve the family in the care plan. You want to be a partner in this process, not a bystander. Finally, ask about the training their volunteers receive. These people will be in your home, so their skills matter. Don't be afraid to ask for clarity on anything that feels confusing. You are the expert on your loved one’s needs. Good providers will welcome these questions with open arms. They want you to feel confident in the care they provide for your family.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one's life is full of wisdom and memories that deserve to be kept for future generations. Start documenting their journey today.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
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