Hospice Quality
10/14/25 at 09:00 AM
National Hospice Locator – Sixth Quality Score Update
Updated October 14, 2025
Based on feedback from hospice leaders nationwide, the sixth update of the hospice quality score calculation was uploaded on October 14, 2025. This update incorporates the most recent CMS Care Compare quality files (August 2025 release).
Background
Since April 12, 2023, the National Hospice Locator has provided the public with free, comprehensive information about every known hospice location in the United States - now default-sorted by quality. This marks the first (and only) publicly available national ranking of all hospices by quality.
Why Hospice Quality Matters
Hospice quality is important - yet often difficult to define, measure, or report. With input from hospice leaders across the country, Hospice Analytics developed a quality ranking tool designed to make these measures more transparent. While the concept of ranking is not new, making quality-based rankings for every hospice publicly accessible is unprecedented.
The Current Quality Scoring System
Hospice Analytics currently uses eight (8) weighted metrics derived from multiple Medicare data sources. These metrics are reviewed and recalculated as new information becomes available. Ongoing discussions with hospice leaders allow for metrics and weighting adjustments over time. As of the 6th update (October 2025):
- Quality scores range from 34 to 100 (out of 100 possible points).
- The mean and median scores are ~67.
- The 80th percentile score is ~84, meaning hospices scoring ≥84 rank among the top 20% nationally.
- Hospices with scores below 50 typically lack sufficient data for calculation.
- Notably, nine hospices achieved a perfect score of 100 in this update. Congratulations:
- Avow Hospice, FL
- Hospice of Central Ohio, OH
- Brite Health Services, TX
- Alpha Omega Hospice, TX
- Frontier Hospice, OK
- Angels Grace Hospice, IL
- Hospice of Lenawee, MI
- Hospice of Miami County, OH
- AseraCare Hospice, NE
The Eight Current Quality Metrics:
- Hospice Visits in the Last Days of Life - Hospice Item Set
- Staffing Ratios - Hospice Claims
- Levels of Care - Hospice Claims
- "Would Definitely Recommend This Hospice" - Hospice CAHPS
- Stability (years certified & ownership changes) - CMS Provider of Service File
- Accreditation - CMS Provider of Service File
- Equity (any Medicaid) - Cost Reports
- New (as of October 13, 2025): Waste, fraud, or abuse penalty - CMS / OIG
Why Now?
For decades, hospice quality has been debated but rarely measured in a way that the public can easily access or understand. Sharing quality rankings openly carries some risk - likely one reason it has never been done before. However, recent increases in the number of hospice providers and public scrutiny of the field have created confusion about how to choose a hospice. In alignment with our mission to increase access to and utilization of high-quality hospice care, Hospice Analytics developed this ranking system to guide families and communities toward trusted providers.
About the National Hospice Locator
Launched in 2012, the National Hospice Locator helps individuals find hospice providers in their area and now averages 15,000+ monthly visits and searches. Historically, the Locator displayed results sorted by hospice census - the largest hospices appearing first under the assumption that size correlated with service depth. Beginning April 12, 2023, the default sort order changed to prioritize quality scores, offering a more meaningful measure of excellence. Users can still choose to sort results by hospice size or other factors.
These metrics were applied consistently to all US hospices - reflecting our commitment to fairness, trustworthiness, and ethical integrity. For questions, suggestions, or feedback, please contact Hospice Analytics at: Info@HospiceAnalytics.com.
Hospice quality matters - and the time is now.