SOUTHERN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1505 SOUTH HIGHWAY 6, SUITE 215
HOUSTON, TX 77077 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 2, 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) | 2 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
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 SOUTHERN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 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 SOUTHERN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 9th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
19
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 day8 min
Ranks better than about 9% 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 weekends13.9%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 life61.5%
Ranks better than about 5% 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%
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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months46.7%
Ranks better than about 24% 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)52nd 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$19,387 · 57th 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 5 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 100% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- All care steps completed100%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia51%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Southern Hospice and Palliative Care in Houston
Southern Hospice and Palliative Care serves families across the Houston area from their office on South Highway 6. They provide specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity. The team helps patients manage pain while supporting their loved ones through a difficult season. Hospice is about making every moment count when time feels short. It is a dedicated approach to care that prioritizes the patient's wishes above all else. They work to bring peace to the home environment. That is their main goal. Whether it is managing symptoms or offering emotional support, this team is there to help your family navigate the path forward. They serve the Harris County community with a clear focus on quality and compassion for every person under their care.
About Southern Hospice and Palliative Care
This provider operates as a for-profit organization. They first received their Medicare certification on December 2, 2020. This certification is a big deal. It means they meet strict federal standards for safety and care quality. Most families look for this status because it guarantees a baseline level of service. The thing is, not all hospices are the same. You should feel comfortable asking about their specific team structure and how they handle after-hours calls. Since they have been active for a few years, they have established local routines in Harris County. Choosing a provider is a deeply personal decision. You want a partner who listens to your needs and respects your family's unique history. Understanding their background helps you feel more confident in the care they will provide for your loved one during this transition.
Understanding Hospice Care in Houston
Houston is a massive medical hub with many choices for end-of-life support. That can feel overwhelming for a family in crisis. The good news is that hospice care is a standard benefit. It is covered by Medicare for those who qualify. Most people do not realize that hospice can take place right in your own home. It is not just for hospitals or nursing facilities. You have the right to pick the provider that feels right for you. Some agencies are large and national, while others are smaller and local. The size does not always dictate the quality of care. It is more about the staff's heart and their response time. Take a deep breath. You have options here in Harris County, and you do not have to settle for the first one you find. Trust your gut when meeting their team.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Talking to a hospice agency can feel heavy. But asking the right questions helps you gain clarity. Start by asking how they handle pain management during the night. You need to know that help is available when things get tough. Ask how often the nurse visits the home. Consistency is key for patient comfort. Another great question is how they support family members emotionally. Do they have volunteers or chaplains? That makes a difference. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one needs a higher level of care suddenly. Will they help move the patient to an inpatient unit? You want a team that plans for every step of the journey. Keep your questions simple. Write down the answers so you can compare your options later without the stress of trying to remember every single detail.
Preserve Your Family's History
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be kept safe. We can help you capture those memories during this special time.
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Helpful Guides for Families
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.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored 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.