PUGET SOUND HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 4002 TACOMA MALL BLVD, STE 204
TACOMA, WA 98409 - 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 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 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 screening97.9%
- Pain assessment99.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life61%
- All care steps completed97.2%
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. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
PUGET SOUND HOSPICE
PUGET SOUND HOSPICE serves residents in Tacoma and the surrounding Pierce County area. They offer end-of-life care designed to support patient comfort and family needs. The agency has been certified by Medicare since March of 2023. This certification means they meet federal standards for health and safety. Choosing a provider is a major decision for any family. This agency operates out of their office on Tacoma Mall Boulevard to coordinate care for those in the local region. They focus on providing medical and emotional support during a difficult time. Families can reach their office directly at (253) 581-9410 to learn more about how their team works. Every family deserves clear information when making these choices. Their presence in Tacoma provides another option for residents seeking hospice services within the state of Washington.
About PUGET SOUND HOSPICE
This provider has held Medicare certification since early 2023. Medicare certification is a standard that requires agencies to follow specific rules for patient care and safety. It is the baseline for quality in the hospice industry. Being certified allows them to accept Medicare benefits for eligible patients. This is helpful for families managing the financial side of end-of-life care. The agency is based in Tacoma and operates within Pierce County. When you look at a provider, check if their service area matches your home location. It helps to know how quickly a nurse can arrive if a need arises. You should ask about their specific team structure and how they handle after-hours calls. This agency is a newer participant in the Medicare program. They are subject to the same oversight as more established providers. Oversight ensures that they maintain the care standards expected by federal regulators.
Quality Overview
What Is Hospice Care Like in TACOMA?
Hospice care in Tacoma focuses on keeping patients comfortable in their own homes. Most families choose to receive care where they live. A team typically includes nurses, social workers, and aides who visit on a regular schedule. The main goal is to manage pain and improve the quality of daily life. Tacoma has several hospice options for families to consider. Some providers are part of larger health systems, while others operate as independent agencies. You will find that most teams offer 24-hour phone support for urgent questions. This is a common feature among certified providers in Washington. If your loved one needs more support, the team can arrange for extra visits or equipment. The care plan is always built around the specific wishes of the patient. It is a team effort. You should feel comfortable asking how the staff communicates with the family during the week.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting the right hospice requires asking the right questions. You need to feel confident in the team you choose. Start by asking how often a nurse will visit the home each week. You should also ask who to call if you need help in the middle of the night. It is smart to ask how they handle medication delivery and equipment needs. Here are a few more things to consider before you sign any paperwork:
- How does your team handle sudden changes in my loved one's condition?
- Can you describe the role of the social worker in our care plan?
- What specific training does your staff have for this type of care?
- How do you support family members who are grieving after a loss?
Take your time with these questions. A good provider will be happy to give you clear and honest answers.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a life full of stories that deserve to be remembered. We provide a simple way to record these memories for future generations to treasure.
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