MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Provider Information
- Address
- 59 RIVERWALK BLVD, SUITE B & C
RIDGELAND, SC 29936 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 23, 2005
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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) | 6 |
| Physicians | 2 |
17
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 LOWCOUNTRY 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 MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY compares to hospices nationwide.
14.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 70th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
8
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 day14.2 min
Ranks better than about 70% 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 life83.6%
Ranks better than about 18% 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 visits50%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 care9.1%
Ranks better than about 32% 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 months18.2%
Ranks better than about 90% 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 care9.1%
Ranks better than about 40% 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)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$11,844 · 18th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 68% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.6%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening95.6%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed97.1%
- Beliefs and values discussed95.6%
- Visits in the last days of life68%
- All care steps completed91.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia43%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Medical Services of America Hospice of the Lowcountry
This hospice provider serves the Ridgeland area from their office on Riverwalk Boulevard. They offer end of life support for patients and their families in Beaufort County. Medical Services of America Hospice of the Lowcountry is a freestanding hospice center. They have been certified by Medicare since 2005. This long history shows a steady commitment to serving the local community. Many families choose them for their specific focus on comfort and symptom management. Their team works to meet the needs of each patient with care and attention. Finding the right support during this time is a major step. Having a local provider can make a difference for everyone involved.
About Medical Services of America Hospice of the Lowcountry
This hospice operates as a for-profit organization in South Carolina. They have held Medicare certification for nearly two decades. This certification means they must meet federal rules for patient care and safety. It is a good sign when a provider stays certified for a long time. They report having a staff of 17 people. This team includes 6 registered nurses and 2 physicians. These experts work together to manage pain and provide emotional support for the patient. You should know that for-profit status does not change the basic requirements for quality care. The government checks their performance to ensure they meet standards. You can feel better knowing they have met these rules for many years. It is about getting the right care at the right time.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Ridgeland?
Hospice care in this area focuses on comfort when a cure is no longer the goal. The team at this Ridgeland location helps patients live with dignity. Their staff includes 6 registered nurses and 2 physicians who manage symptoms like pain or trouble breathing. These experts visit the patient at home or in a facility. They bring medicine and equipment to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. But the team does more than just medical work. They also offer support to family members who are helping their loved ones. Nurses and doctors coordinate with the family to create a plan that fits the specific needs of the patient. This care is designed to happen where the patient feels most at home. It is a team effort to ensure peace and comfort every single day.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should ask questions that help you understand how they work. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if a problem happens at night. You should also ask how the team will help manage pain at home. It is smart to ask how often the doctor will check on the patient. Another good question is how they support family members who are feeling tired or stressed. You might ask what happens if the patient needs care in a hospital setting instead of at home. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity on any part of the care plan. Getting direct answers helps you feel more confident in your choice. The best providers will be happy to explain their process to you.
Preserving Family Stories
Your family history is a treasure. We provide a simple way to record and save the stories and memories that define your loved ones.
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