MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 7599 CARROLLTON PIKE # C
GALAX, VA 24333 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 15, 2005
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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) | 4 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 14 |
17
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 MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE & 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
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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 2011.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
14.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 70th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
167
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 day14.2 min
Ranks better than about 70% 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 weekends15.6%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 life95.1%
Ranks better than about 62% 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 visits71.4%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 care16.5%
Ranks better than about 7% 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 months30.6%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 care4.1%
Ranks better than about 66% 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)94th 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$14,832 · 33rd 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 62.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment99.1%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life62.5%
- All care steps completed99.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer27%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease13%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
- Stroke17%
- Other conditions17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care in Galax
Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care serves families in Galax, Virginia. They provide comfort-focused care for those facing a serious illness. This team helps patients manage pain and symptoms while supporting their loved ones at home. Choosing the right hospice is a heavy decision. Having a local provider like this one can make a big difference during a difficult time. They focus on dignity and comfort above all else.
About Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care
This organization operates as a non-profit provider. That is an important detail for many families. It means their mission centers on patient needs rather than profit margins. They have been Medicare certified since December 15, 2005. That is nearly two decades of experience serving the community. What does this mean for you? It means they have met strict federal standards for a long time. You can feel confident knowing they have a proven track record. They are located at 7599 Carrollton Pike # C in Carroll County. Their team is ready to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Understanding Hospice Care in Galax
Finding the right care in a rural area like Galax can feel overwhelming. The truth is that hospice is not just about the end of life. It is about living as well as possible for as long as possible. Most people wait too long to ask for help. That is a mistake. Hospice brings a team of nurses, aides, and social workers directly to your house. They provide medical equipment and medicine. They also offer emotional support to the whole family. You do not have to walk this path alone. Having a local team nearby means they can reach you quickly when you need them most.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should always interview your hospice provider before you sign any papers. It helps to have a list of questions ready. Here are a few to get you started. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. Second, ask how they help with pain and breathing issues. Third, ask what kind of support they offer to family members after a loss. Finally, ask if they provide care in your specific area of Carroll County. Listen to your gut when they answer. You need a team that makes you feel heard and safe. Never be afraid to ask for more information.
Preserve Your Family's History
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories worth saving. Recording these memories is a beautiful way to honor their journey while you navigate this season together.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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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.