MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUN
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 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) | 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 LOWCOUN 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 LOWCOUN 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 screening96.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.2%
- Visits in the last days of life68%
- All care steps completed94.6%
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, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Ridgeland
Medical Services of America Hospice of the Lowcoun provides end-of-life care for families in Ridgeland, South Carolina. They focus on comfort and dignity for patients facing a terminal illness. Their team works right in the Beaufort area to ensure you get support when it matters most. Choosing the right hospice is a major decision for any family. This provider offers a local presence to help manage pain and support emotional needs. Their office is at 59 Riverwalk Blvd, Suite B & C. You can reach them at (843) 332-0063 if you need to talk about care options. They understand the local community and the specific needs of families in this part of the state. It is a big comfort knowing that professional help is nearby. They aim to make these final months or weeks as peaceful as they can be for everyone involved.
About Medical Services of America Hospice of the Lowcoun
This provider operates as a for-profit organization. They first gained their Medicare certification back on September 23, 2005. That is a long history of serving the community. What does that mean for you? It means they have met strict federal standards for many years. Medicare certification is not just a label. It means they follow specific rules for quality and safety. Families should know that being for-profit does not change the core mission of hospice. Their goal remains the same: to provide comfort and manage symptoms. The staff here has years of experience navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. They are ready to walk this path with you. The thing is, choosing a provider with such a long track record can provide extra peace of mind. You want a team that knows the system inside and out. They have been doing this work in the Lowcountry for nearly two decades.
Top-Tier Quality Rating
Understanding Hospice Care in Ridgeland
Hospice care in South Carolina is designed to put the patient first. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing quality of life over aggressive treatments that may no longer help. In a place like Ridgeland, hospice teams often travel to your home. They can also provide care in nursing homes or assisted living centers. The team usually includes a nurse, a social worker, and a chaplain. They work together to keep the patient pain-free and comfortable. And they provide support for the family, too. Many people wait too long to ask for help. But the truth is, the earlier you start, the more support you receive. Hospice is a benefit paid for by Medicare. It covers medications, medical equipment, and visits from the care team. You do not have to do this alone. Local providers like this one are there to lift some of the weight off your shoulders.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It can feel hard to know what to ask when you are already tired. Start with these simple questions. First, ask how quickly they can start care once a doctor signs the order. You need to know that help is available when a crisis happens. Second, ask how they handle pain management at night or on the weekends. You want to know that someone is always on call for you. Third, ask how they support family members with grief. This is a journey for the whole family, not just the patient. Finally, ask if they have experience with the specific condition your loved one has. Some providers are better at managing certain illnesses than others. Write these down before you call. It keeps things organized when your mind is busy with other worries. Taking these small steps will help you feel more in control of the care your loved one receives.
Preserve Your Family's Story
During this time, the stories and memories of your loved ones matter more than ever. We help you capture these moments to keep their legacy alive for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.