MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE - COASTAL
Provider Information
- Address
- 4685 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH BYPASS
MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29577 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 11, 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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
11
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 - COASTAL 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 - COASTAL compares to hospices nationwide.
11.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 39th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
39
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 day11.3 min
Ranks better than about 39% 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 weekends6.9%
Ranks better than about 37% 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 life95.7%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 visits78.7%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 care6.4%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 months31.9%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 care12.8%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 hospice4.3%
Ranks better than about 14% 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)67th 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$17,258 · 46th 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 71.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.7%
- Pain assessment97.6%
- Breathing difficulty screening95.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed95.7%
- Beliefs and values discussed93.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life71.1%
- All care steps completed89.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer19%
- Dementia35%
- Heart and circulatory disease12%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Medical Services of America Hospice - Coastal
Medical Services of America Hospice - Coastal serves families in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They offer end of life care to patients in Horry County. This provider has been certified by Medicare since 2002. They focus on providing comfort when it matters most. Families can rely on their long history of serving the local area. This care supports both the patient and their loved ones during a difficult time. Their team works to meet medical needs while keeping the patient comfortable in their own home. It is a local choice for those needing specialized support. The agency operates as a for-profit provider. They have been part of the federal program for over twenty years. This experience helps them understand how to manage care plans for different patient needs. Choosing a provider with this much history can offer peace of mind to families.
Provider Details
This agency is a freestanding hospice located on Highway 17 South Bypass. They operate as a for-profit entity. Medicare certification means they follow strict federal rules for safety and care quality. These rules protect patients and ensure that hospice services meet a high standard. A freestanding hospice focuses only on end of life care rather than being part of a larger hospital system. This can lead to more specialized attention for the patient. The agency reports a total staff of eleven people. Their team includes two registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also have three volunteers who help support patients and families. Having a dedicated team allows for a more personal touch during hospice care. Families should look for these staff details when they compare different local options. Knowing who will be part of the care team helps you prepare for the weeks ahead.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in Myrtle Beach?
Hospice care in this area focuses on comfort and pain relief. The team visits you where you live. They aim to make the patient as comfortable as possible. The staff composition for this provider includes registered nurses and a licensed practical nurse. These nurses manage medications and physical symptoms. Volunteers also provide extra support for families. They can sit with patients or help with small tasks. This team approach allows families to spend more time together. The agency uses these eleven staff members to provide care in the Horry County region. Nurses assess the patient often to adjust the care plan as needs change. You can expect regular visits from the medical team. They are there to answer your questions. This makes the process much clearer for everyone involved. Good care is about having the right people there when you need them most.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice is a major decision for any family. You should feel comfortable with the people who will enter your home. Ask how often the nurse will visit the patient each week. You need to know how they handle emergencies after business hours. Always ask what specific services their volunteers provide to support family members. Find out if they have experience with the specific health condition your loved one faces. Ask how they coordinate care with the primary doctor. You deserve clear answers to every single question. A good provider will be happy to explain their process. Do not feel rushed during these conversations. Take your time to find the right fit for your family. The goal is finding a team that respects your wishes and provides strong support throughout the care process.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift. Start capturing your favorite memories and life lessons today to keep them safe for future generations.
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