PUGET SOUND HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 4002 TACOMA MALL BLVD, STE 204
TACOMA, WA 98409 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 28, 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 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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how PUGET SOUND HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 46th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
42
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 day11.9 min
Ranks better than about 46% 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 weekends6.4%
Ranks better than about 31% 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 life91.9%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 visits52%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 care8.7%
Ranks better than about 34% 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 months20.3%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 hospice5.8%
Ranks better than about 8% 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$11,442 · 16th 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 61% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.8%
- Pain assessment99.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life61%
- All care steps completed95.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke23%
- Other conditions7%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
PUGET SOUND HOSPICE in Tacoma
Puget Sound Hospice provides specialized end-of-life care for residents in Tacoma, Washington. Their team serves families throughout Pierce County from their office on Tacoma Mall Boulevard. They focus on comfort, dignity, and support during a difficult time. Choosing the right hospice partner is a deeply personal decision. This provider offers a range of services meant to improve the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. They work to manage pain and symptoms while providing emotional support. It is about helping families focus on the moments that matter most. When you live in the Tacoma area, you have access to local care that understands your specific community needs. Finding the right fit takes time. And that is okay. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns and respects your family's wishes every step of the way.
About PUGET SOUND HOSPICE
Puget Sound Hospice has been a Medicare-certified provider since March 28, 2023. This certification means they meet strict federal standards for patient care and safety. It is a big deal because it ensures they follow specific rules for quality. Being relatively new to the Medicare program, they have already established a presence in the Pierce County health landscape. Families should know that hospice is not just about medical care. It is a philosophy of living well. Their team includes doctors, nurses, and aides who coordinate care at home or in facilities. The thing is, choosing a provider is about more than just paperwork. It is about finding a group of people who feel like an extension of your own family. They are there to guide you through the process of care planning. You do not have to walk this path alone.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Tacoma
Tacoma offers many resources for families facing a serious illness. Hospice care is a unique benefit covered by Medicare for those with a life-limiting condition. Most people think hospice happens only at the very end of life. But it can start much sooner. The goal is to maximize comfort when curative treatments are no longer effective. In Pierce County, providers like Puget Sound Hospice work to keep patients in their own homes whenever possible. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and comfort. The service includes regular nurse visits, medical equipment, and medication related to the illness. It also provides grief support for the family after a loss. That is a vital part of the healing process. So, when you look at options in Tacoma, think about how each provider supports your family's specific daily routine.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have the right to choose the hospice provider that feels right for you. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. This is crucial for peace of mind. Ask how they handle pain management during the night or on weekends. You want to know there is always someone available to help. It is also good to ask about their experience with your specific diagnosis. Does their team have special training or extra resources? Finally, ask how they involve family members in the care plan. You are the expert on your loved one. A good hospice team will always listen to your input. Here is a simple tip: trust your gut feeling. If a provider makes you feel rushed or confused, keep looking. You deserve clarity and kindness.
Preserve Your Family's History
Your loved one's stories are a precious gift. Capture their memories and wisdom now to create a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish.
Start Preserving StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
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How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
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Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
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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.