1ST CARE HOSPICE INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 425 MAIN STREET
SOUTH BOSTON, VA 24592 - Medicare Certified Since
- September 1, 2023
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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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how 1ST CARE HOSPICE INC compares to hospices nationwide.
23.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 98th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
13
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 day23.6 min
Ranks better than about 98% 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 weekends8.1%
Ranks better than about 52% 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 life97.1%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 visits13.7%
Ranks better than about 93% 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 care12.5%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 months6.3%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 care12.5%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 hospice12.5%
Ranks better than about 1% 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$7,746 · 4th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 97.0% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.0%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- All care steps completed98.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer40%
- Dementia20%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
1ST CARE HOSPICE INC in South Boston
1ST CARE HOSPICE INC serves families in South Boston, Virginia. They offer end-of-life support and comfort care for patients at home or in care facilities. Their team focuses on managing pain and symptoms for those with terminal illness. Medicare certified since September 2023, they bring a fresh approach to local hospice needs. They work to keep patients comfortable and supported during their final months. Many families find that having local care nearby makes a big difference in daily life. This provider operates out of an office on Main Street. It is a central location for the community. Their goal is to provide quality care for people in the area who need it most.
About 1ST CARE HOSPICE INC
1ST CARE HOSPICE INC became Medicare certified in late 2023. Certification means they meet federal rules for safety and care standards. These standards exist to protect patients and ensure quality. Families should know that Medicare checks these providers often. This keeps the quality of care high across the board. You can look at the official CMS reports to see how they perform compared to others. These reports measure things like how well they handle pain. They also look at how often they visit patients. Choosing a provider that meets these federal benchmarks is a smart way to start. It gives you a clear picture of what to expect from their care team. The staff members work to follow these rules every single day. That is how they maintain their standing as a provider.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in SOUTH BOSTON?
Hospice in South Boston follows a team approach to help patients stay home. The team usually includes a nurse, a social worker, and an aide. They visit the home to check on the patient. They also talk with the family about how things are going. Sometimes a chaplain or a volunteer joins the team too. They work to keep the person comfortable and pain-free. That is the main goal of every hospice visit. A nurse will make sure the medicine is working as it should. The social worker can help with paperwork or emotional needs. It is all about making each day a bit easier for the patient. You can expect them to be there when you need them most. That is the standard for good hospice care in Virginia today.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice team is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable asking questions before you sign any papers. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens. You need to know that help is available at night and on weekends. Second, ask how the team manages pain and other hard symptoms. You want to know that they have a clear plan for your loved one. Third, ask how they support the family members after the patient passes away. Grief support is a common part of hospice care. Finally, ask if they have experience with your specific health needs. Some providers specialize in certain conditions. Getting clear answers helps you feel more confident in your choice of care.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered forever by your family.
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