BALLAD HEALTH HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 280 STEELES ROAD
BRISTOL, TN 37620 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- January 12, 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 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) | 21 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 4 |
38
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 BALLAD HEALTH HOSPICE 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BALLAD HEALTH HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
15 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 76th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
54
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 day15 min
Ranks better than about 76% 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 weekends12.7%
Ranks better than about 82% 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 life96.6%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 visits23.9%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 care21.5%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 months18.3%
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 care14%
Ranks better than about 20% 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 hospice2.2%
Ranks better than about 35% 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)100th 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$5,280 · 1st 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 30% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.9%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life30%
- All care steps completed99.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer30%
- Dementia8%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease20%
- Stroke6%
- Other conditions17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Ballad Health Hospice in Bristol
Ballad Health Hospice serves families in Bristol, Tennessee. This provider offers end of life care for residents in the Sullivan County area. They have operated as a Medicare certified hospice since early 1995. The organization holds accreditation from CHAP. This status shows they meet high standards for safety and quality. Choosing a certified agency helps families feel sure about the care their loved ones receive during a difficult time.
About Ballad Health Hospice
This agency operates as a freestanding hospice with a specific ownership structure. Being Medicare certified means they follow strict federal rules for hospice care. CHAP accreditation is another layer of oversight. This group checks that the agency follows best practices for patient safety and comfort. It acts as a report card for the care provided to patients. Families should know that this agency has a clear history of service in the community. They have been active for nearly three decades. That is a long time to learn how to serve local patients well. The team focuses on providing care that meets federal quality rules every single day. This helps keep standards high for everyone involved.
Quality Overview
What Is Hospice Care Like in Bristol?
Hospice care in Bristol brings support right to your home. The goal is to keep patients comfortable and surrounded by family. The team at this location includes 21 registered nurses and 5 licensed practical nurses. Two physicians guide the medical side of care. They also have 4 volunteers who offer extra time and attention. This mix of staff ensures that medical needs and daily comfort are both addressed. Nurses visit often to check on the patient and talk with family members about any changes. The physician oversees the plan to make sure it matches what the patient wants. Having a team with many nurses means help is usually close by when symptoms change. This structure keeps care focused on the person rather than just the illness.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask direct questions before you sign any paperwork. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. Second, ask how they handle pain management for patients who have complex needs. Third, ask how the hospice team will keep your primary doctor in the loop about changes in care. Finally, ask what kind of support they offer to family members after a loss. These questions help you see if the agency fits your family values. Do not be afraid to ask for clear answers about their daily routines. You deserve to know exactly how the staff will support your loved one. Good agencies will answer these questions with patience and care.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. Capture these memories now so future generations can know them forever.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is complex. Our guide to Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits helps you manage costs, coverage, and care with confidence today.
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
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.