ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUSAU
Provider Information
- Address
- 605 S 24TH AVE SUITE 46
WAUSAU, WI 54401 - Medicare Certified Since
- May 20, 2024
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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 ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUSAU compares to hospices nationwide.
18.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 91st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
23
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 day18.2 min
Ranks better than about 91% 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 weekends12.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 life98.6%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 visits32.2%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 care8.3%
Ranks better than about 37% 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 months8.3%
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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% 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$9,671 · 9th 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 100% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- All care steps completed100%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer18%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease53%
- Other conditions11%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support for Families in Wausau
St Croix Hospice Wausau serves families in Marathon County from their office on South 24th Avenue. They provide comfort-focused care for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Choosing the right team can make a world of difference during a hard time. Their staff focuses on managing pain and supporting your loved one's wishes. This local team works hard to ensure patients remain as comfortable as possible in their own homes. It is about helping your family focus on time spent together. That is the true goal of hospice care. You are not alone in this process. St Croix Hospice offers a dedicated local presence to help you navigate these big decisions. They bring professional care directly to your doorstep in Wausau.
About ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUSAU
St Croix Hospice Wausau has been Medicare certified since May 20, 2024. This certification means they meet strict federal standards for patient care and safety. Being a newer certified location shows they are part of a larger, established network of care. What most people don't realize is that all Medicare-certified hospices must follow the same basic rules for care. But the way they deliver that care can vary quite a bit. This team works to provide dignity and respect to every patient they serve. They focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the entire family. You should feel comfortable asking them about their specific approach to care. They are ready to answer your questions about how they can help your loved one. The team is committed to high standards of service in the Wausau area.
Top Quality Care
Understanding Hospice Care in WAUSAU
Hospice care in Wisconsin is about choosing quality of life. It is not about giving up hope. It is about shifting the focus to comfort when a cure is no longer the main goal. In Wausau, families have access to several resources that make this transition smoother. The thing is, many people wait too long to start these services. Starting early allows the hospice team to build a real relationship with your family. They can manage symptoms before they become a crisis. This prevents unnecessary trips to the emergency room. And it gives your family more peace of mind at home. You have the right to choose the provider that feels like the best fit for your specific situation. Take your time to talk with them before making a final choice.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is a personal choice. You need to feel confident in the people entering your home. Start by asking how quickly they can respond if an emergency happens at night. You should also ask what kind of support they offer for family caregivers. It is also smart to ask how they handle medication changes. Will they work closely with your current doctor? That is a big deal for keeping care consistent. Finally, ask about their volunteer program. Volunteers can offer companionship or help with small errands. Here's a tip: trust your gut feeling after you talk to them. If a team member makes you feel heard, that is a great sign. Don't be afraid to ask for clarity on anything that sounds confusing or complex.
Preserve Your Family's Unique Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. We provide a simple way to capture these stories so they can be cherished for generations to come.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
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.