BROOKINGS HEALTH SYSTEM
Provider Information
- Address
- 300 22ND AVE
BROOKINGS, SD 57006 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 26, 1995
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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) | 1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 0 |
| Physicians | 0 |
6
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 BROOKINGS HEALTH SYSTEM reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BROOKINGS HEALTH SYSTEM compares to hospices nationwide.
10.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 33rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
11
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 day10.7 min
Ranks better than about 33% 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 weekends5.8%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 life97.3%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 visits27.9%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 care18.2%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 months9.1%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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)74th 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$8,002 · 5th 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 68.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening92.1%
- Pain assessment84.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.1%
- Visits in the last days of life68.1%
- All care steps completed82.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia18%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Other conditions15%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care at Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System serves families in Brookings, South Dakota. They offer home health services to help patients manage their health needs at home. This agency has been certified by Medicare since July 1995. Their team works to provide care that supports comfort and health goals for those they serve. Because they operate as a government provider, they follow strict rules set by federal programs. Choosing a local provider often helps families feel more at ease during a difficult time. You can reach their office at 300 22nd Ave to learn more about their specific service area. It is a local option for your loved ones.
About BROOKINGS HEALTH SYSTEM
This agency functions as a government-owned provider. They have maintained Medicare certification for nearly three decades. This long history shows a steady commitment to meeting federal safety standards. Many families look for this certification because it means the agency must pass regular check-ups. The agency currently has a team of six total employees. This includes one registered nurse who coordinates clinical needs for patients. Since they do not have licensed practical nurses or physicians on staff, they likely work closely with your own doctor. You should ask how they coordinate care with your primary physician. Understanding who will visit your home is a smart step. It helps you know exactly what to expect from their team during your visits. They focus on meeting the rules that keep care safe and consistent for everyone involved in the process.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in BROOKINGS?
Hospice care in South Dakota focuses on keeping patients comfortable in their own homes. The team at Brookings Health System provides care with a small but dedicated staff. With one registered nurse on the team, they focus on clinical visits to monitor health. They help manage symptoms so that patients can stay in familiar surroundings. This is often the best place for peace and comfort. Some families worry about how the care will look on a daily basis. Since they have a small team, you will likely see the same face often. That helps build a real connection over time. This approach ensures that the care stays personal and focused on the patient. They work to keep you informed about every change in the plan. It is about making sure the patient has what they need to be at peace every single day.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking the right partner for hospice care requires asking the right questions. Start by asking how the nurse will handle emergencies after office hours. You need to know who to call at night. Also, ask how they share updates with your family doctor. Clear communication keeps everyone on the same page. Ask about the specific services they provide to help with pain and symptom relief. You should also ask how they support the emotional needs of the family. It is okay to ask about their experience with your specific health condition. Getting clear answers will help you feel more confident in your choice. Take your time with these questions. You deserve to have all the information before you make a decision for your loved one.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your family history is a gift that should be passed down to future generations. Start recording your precious memories today to ensure they are never lost.
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Helpful Guides for Families
What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
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What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
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A Complete End of Life Planning Checklist for Families
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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.