SSM HEALTH AT HOME HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1600 JEFFERSON ST SUITE 101
BARABOO, WI 53913 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 27, 1988
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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) | 20 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
45
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 SSM HEALTH AT HOME HOSPICE 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 SSM HEALTH AT HOME HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 41st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
114
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 day11.5 min
Ranks better than about 41% 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 weekends6.3%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 visits56.8%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 care6.5%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 months20.8%
Ranks better than about 86% 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 care5.2%
Ranks better than about 61% 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 hospice3.9%
Ranks better than about 17% 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)92nd 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$13,405 · 25th 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 63.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.9%
- Pain assessment75.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.2%
- Breathing difficulty treatment94.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.1%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.6%
- Visits in the last days of life63.9%
- All care steps completed77.5%
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%
- Dementia19%
- Heart and circulatory disease16%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke6%
- Other conditions23%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About SSM Health at Home Hospice
SSM Health at Home Hospice serves families in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This home health agency provides end of life care for patients in Sauk County. They first earned Medicare certification back in 1988. This means they have decades of experience meeting federal standards for hospice care. The agency operates as a non-profit organization. That structure often keeps the focus on patient needs rather than profits. Families in Baraboo can look to this provider for support during a difficult time. They have been a part of the local healthcare community for a long time. It is a stable option for those in the area.
Care Team and Structure
This agency employs 45 people to support their patients. Their team includes 20 registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also have a physician on staff to oversee medical needs. This mix of staff helps them provide direct care at home. Having a large team of nurses is a strong point for them. It allows for consistent monitoring of a patient's condition. The team works together to manage pain and symptoms. They also help families understand what to expect. Most of their work happens in the patient's own home. This makes the process much more comfortable for everyone involved. They aim to provide high quality care with their dedicated staff members.
Quality Insights
What Is Hospice Care Like in Baraboo?
Hospice care in Baraboo focuses on comfort and dignity. The goal is to manage symptoms so the patient can enjoy their time. This agency uses a team approach to reach that goal. With 20 registered nurses on staff, they have many eyes on the patient's health. This is a significant resource for a local agency. The team meets regularly to adjust the care plan as needs change. They help with medicine, equipment, and emotional support. Families often find that having a professional team nearby makes daily life easier. You can expect them to visit your home on a regular schedule. They are there to answer questions and provide relief. It is about making each day count for the patient and their loved ones.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice is a big decision for any family. You need to gather all the facts first. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. This is vital for peace of mind. Ask who will be the main person you call at night or on weekends. You should also ask how they coordinate with your current doctors. It is good to know how they handle pain management changes. Finally, ask what support they offer to family caregivers. Do not be afraid to ask for specific examples of their help. The right provider will be happy to explain their process. Clear answers show that they are ready to support your family well.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. Recording these memories can be a meaningful way to honor their life and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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SSM HEALTH AT HOME HOSPICE
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