BUENA VIDA HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 810 HIGHWAY 6 S #102
HOUSTON, TX 77079 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 11, 2020
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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 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
2
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 BUENA VIDA 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BUENA VIDA HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
6.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 3rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
17
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 day6.4 min
Ranks better than about 3% 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 weekends4.5%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 life70%
Ranks better than about 8% 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 visits90.6%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 care2.4%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 months34.1%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 care7.3%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 hospice2.4%
Ranks better than about 32% 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)85th 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$22,480 · 72nd 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 1 required care step for new patients here.
- Visits in the last days of life10%
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%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support at Home in Houston
Buena Vida Hospice provides end-of-life care for patients living in Houston, Texas. Based at 810 Highway 6 S, they serve families throughout Harris County with a focus on comfort and dignity. Their team works to manage pain and help patients spend quality time with their loved ones. Choosing the right care is a big decision for any family. That is why having local options matters so much. They aim to bring peace and support right to your front door during a difficult season. Whether a patient is at home or in a facility, the goal is always the same. They want to make sure every day counts. It is about more than just medicine. It is about living life well until the very end. The team here knows the Houston area well and works hard to meet your specific needs.
About BUENA VIDA HOSPICE
Buena Vida Hospice is a for-profit provider that has been Medicare certified since September 11, 2020. Being certified means they meet strict federal standards for patient care and safety. This is a key detail for families to check when looking for help. You should know that for-profit status does not change the high level of care they must provide. They have been active in the Houston community for several years now. That is a good amount of time to build a solid track record. Families should feel free to ask about their specific staff training and how they handle after-hours calls. You deserve to know exactly who will be coming into your home. The staff at Buena Vida Hospice understands the stress you feel. They are there to walk this path with you step by step. Just reach out to their office at (281) 888-1499 to learn more.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in HOUSTON
Houston is a large city with many hospice choices, but not every provider is the same. The thing is, hospice is not just for the final days or weeks of life. Many people wait too long to call, which is a common mistake. You can actually start these services as soon as a doctor confirms a life-limiting illness. This gives the team more time to build a bond with your family. It also helps the patient get better symptom control early on. Local providers like Buena Vida Hospice are familiar with the area and can coordinate care quickly. They know the local hospitals and pharmacies, which saves you time. You do not have to figure this out alone. The right team will guide you through the paperwork and the insurance details. That makes a world of difference when you are already tired.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider is a big step. You should feel comfortable asking tough questions before you sign anything. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How quickly can a nurse get to my home if there is an emergency at night?
- What specific services do you provide to help with pain and breathing issues?
- How do you support family members who are grieving after a loss?
- Can you tell me about your staff-to-patient ratio?
These questions help you see how the team works. You want people who listen and respond fast. If they seem rushed or do not give clear answers, keep looking. Trust your gut feeling. You are the expert on your loved one, and you know what they need best. The right team will respect that every single time. Take your time to get the answers that matter to you.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
This time of life is about more than just care. It is a chance to gather the stories and wisdom that make your family unique. Start saving your memories today so they last for future generations.
Preserve Your HistoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
HOSPICE COMPASSUS - THE WOODLANDS
HCA HOUSTON HOSPICE & FAMILY CARE
THE CARE TEAM HOSPICE
HARBOR HOSPICE OF CENTRAL HOUSTON, L.P.
HARBOR HOSPICE OF HOUSTON, LP
ACCENTCARE HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE OF HOUSTON -
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