HOSPICE SPECIALTY INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 1220 SCOTT STREET
LAREDO, TX 78040 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- January 26, 2015
Are you this hospice's administrator? Update your information
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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 1 |
15
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 HOSPICE SPECIALTY INC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- 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 HOSPICE SPECIALTY INC compares to hospices nationwide.
8.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 15th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
22
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day8.9 min
Ranks better than about 15% 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 weekends3.3%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 life87.1%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 visits29.2%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 care2.1%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 months53.2%
Ranks better than about 13% 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 care4.3%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 hospice6.4%
Ranks better than about 6% 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$28,414 · 89th 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 life17.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia69%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Specialty Inc in Laredo
Hospice Specialty Inc serves families across Webb County from their office on Scott Street. This team provides comfort-focused care for people facing life-limiting illnesses. They work closely with patients and their loved ones to manage symptoms and improve daily life. The goal is simple. They want to provide dignity and support right where the patient lives. Whether you are at home or in a facility, their staff aims to meet your needs with compassion. Finding the right support in Laredo is a big step. This provider offers a dedicated approach to end-of-life care in the heart of Texas. They focus on the patient's wishes while keeping the family involved every step of the way. It is about making each day count. That is what matters most when time feels short. You deserve a team that listens and truly cares about your unique situation.
About HOSPICE SPECIALTY INC
Hospice Specialty Inc has served the community since January 2015. They operate as a for-profit hospice provider. This means they are responsible for meeting specific standards set by Medicare to keep their certification active. For families, this history of service is a good sign. It shows they have been part of the local healthcare landscape for nearly a decade. Choosing a for-profit provider is a common choice for many families today. The key is to look at their quality ratings to see how they perform. They have been Medicare-certified for over nine years now. That is a long time in the world of hospice care. You should feel comfortable asking them about their specific experience with your loved one's diagnosis. They are there to help you understand the process. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Getting clear answers helps you make the best choice for your family's future.
High Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in LAREDO
Hospice care in Laredo is about more than just medicine. It is a support system that wraps around the entire family. Many people think hospice happens only in a hospital. That is not true. Most care happens in your own home. The team visits you to help with pain and other hard symptoms. They also provide emotional support for the family. It is a team effort. You will likely work with nurses, aides, and social workers. Each person plays a part in your care plan. Some families do not realize that hospice can start earlier than they think. You do not have to wait until the very last days. Starting sooner allows the team to build a real bond with you. This makes a huge difference when things get tough. The local hospice community in Webb County is here to guide you through this difficult transition period.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice team is a big decision. You need to feel confident in your choice. Here are a few questions that can help you decide. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You need to know you are not alone. Second, ask how they handle pain management for their patients. Their answer should be clear and focused on the patient's comfort. Third, ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a vital part of hospice care. Finally, ask if they have experience with your loved one's specific health condition. It is okay to be picky. You are looking for a partner in this journey. Take your time to get the answers you need. Your peace of mind is worth the extra effort. A good provider will be happy to answer everything you ask.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and wisdom to share. We can help you capture those precious memories so they last for future generations to enjoy.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
SERENITY HOME CARE SERVICES
LAREDO SUPERIOR HOMECARE LLC
LAREDO GENTLE HANDS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
ALFA HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE, LLC
VARA HOSPICE
ALTUS HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
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.
How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
Learn how to start hospice conversations with your loved ones. Get expert scripts, signs it is time, and tools to find quality care near you with Hospice Scout.
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.
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.