COMPASSUS NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Provider Information
- Address
- 1571 HIGHWAY 51 NORTH SUITE C
ARBOR VITAE, WI 54568 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 7, 1986
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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) | 11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 2 |
54
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 COMPASSUS NORTHERN WISCONSIN 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
- 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 COMPASSUS NORTHERN WISCONSIN compares to hospices nationwide.
13 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 59th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
82
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 day13 min
Ranks better than about 59% 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 weekends11.3%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 life95.6%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 visits57.3%
Ranks better than about 43% 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 care12.3%
Ranks better than about 16% 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 months31.1%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 care7.5%
Ranks better than about 48% 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 hospice1.9%
Ranks better than about 39% 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$12,594 · 21st 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 77% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.8%
- Pain assessment97.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life77%
- All care steps completed97%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer28%
- Dementia16%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke3%
- Other conditions26%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassus Northern Wisconsin
Compassus Northern Wisconsin serves families in the Arbor Vitae area from their office on Highway 51. Hospice care is all about comfort and dignity during a difficult time. This team focuses on managing symptoms and providing emotional support for both patients and their loved ones. They work hard to ensure that every patient feels seen and heard. It is a local resource dedicated to high-quality end-of-life care in Vilas County. Choosing the right hospice partner is a personal decision that impacts your daily life. Having a team nearby can make a big difference when you need help fast. They offer skilled care teams who visit patients where they live. This brings peace of mind to families across the region. You deserve care that feels personal and kind. That is exactly what this team strives to provide every single day for the community.
About Compassus Northern Wisconsin
This hospice provider operates as a for-profit organization. They first received Medicare certification on August 7, 1986. That is nearly four decades of service to the community. Experience often leads to better care, and this long history shows they understand the local needs well. Being Medicare-certified means they must meet strict federal rules for safety and quality. It is a high bar to clear. Families should know that for-profit status does not change the core mission of hospice care. Their goal remains focused on comfort and support. The team in Arbor Vitae follows these national standards while bringing a local touch to their work. What most people do not realize is that all Medicare-certified hospices must follow the same basic rules. This helps keep care consistent for everyone. Compassus has built a long-standing reputation in the area. You can look at their history as a sign of their commitment to the people of Wisconsin.
Quality Performance Snapshot
Understanding Hospice Care in Arbor Vitae
Finding the right care in a rural area like Vilas County can feel overwhelming. The good news is that hospice is designed to come to you. Most care happens in your own home, which is where people are most comfortable. The thing is, hospice is not just about the final days. It is about living as well as possible for as long as possible. The team provides nurses, aides, and social workers who travel to meet your needs. They help with pain relief, medical equipment, and emotional guidance. And because they know the area, they can connect you with other local supports too. It is a team effort to make sure you have everything you need. You are never alone in this process. Having a local team means they understand the unique challenges of living in Northern Wisconsin. They are ready to walk this path with you and your family.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have the right to ask questions before deciding on a hospice partner. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. This is vital for your comfort and safety. You should also ask how they manage pain and other symptoms that might arise. It helps to know exactly who will be on your care team. Ask how often the staff will visit and how they handle after-hours calls. Another good question is how they support the family members who are acting as caregivers. Do they offer respite care if you need a break? It is okay to be direct. The best providers will be happy to answer these questions clearly. You need to feel confident in the team you choose. Trust your gut feeling when you talk to them. A good hospice team will listen to your concerns with patience and care.
Preserve Your Family Story
During this time, the memories and stories you share are precious gifts. We can help you protect these moments for your children and grandchildren to cherish forever.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is complex. Our guide to Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits helps you manage costs, coverage, and care with confidence today.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
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10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
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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.