Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hosp And Clinics-Hospice
West Union, IA · Medicare-certified hospice (CCN 161521)
CMS process measure: 100 (state average 97.19 — above state average)
Serves: 26 ZIP codes (is yours included? →) · Phone: (563) 422-6267 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
Family caregivers surveyed by CMS reported that 88% would definitely recommend Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics-Hospice, and its composite process score of 100.00 is above the Iowa state average of 97.19. CMS has not published a separate overall star rating for this hospice in the data available.
Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics-Hospice serves 26 ZIP codes from its office in West Union, Iowa, in Fayette County. Families can confirm whether a specific ZIP code is included by contacting the hospice directly.
Yes, Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics-Hospice is Medicare-certified, with CCN 161521, certified since March 19, 1992. The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies their eligibility.
About this hospice
Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics-Hospice is a non-profit hospice based in West Union, Iowa, serving families in Fayette County and the surrounding area. The hospice has been Medicare-certified since March 19, 1992.
According to CMS Care Compare data, family caregivers surveyed through the CAHPS Hospice Survey reported that 88% would definitely recommend this hospice, and 89% rated the overall care a 9 or 10 out of 10. CMS has not published a distinct overall CAHPS star rating in the data provided for this hospice.
On CMS's composite process measure, which reflects how consistently a hospice performs a set of recommended care processes, this hospice scored 100.00, which is above the Iowa state average of 97.19. CMS also reports a care index score of 10 and notes that 92.6% of patients received visits from staff during the last days of life, based on the data supplied.
This hospice's service area, as reflected in CMS data, includes 26 ZIP codes.
The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility; no cost details are provided here. All figures above come from CMS Care Compare data as supplied and may reflect a specific reporting period; families should confirm current figures directly on Care Compare or with the hospice.
Questions families ask
Does Medicare cover care from this hospice?
Yes. Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics-Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 161521) since March 19, 1992, and the Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility.
What do family caregivers say about this hospice in the CMS survey?
In the CMS CAHPS survey, 88% of family caregivers said they would definitely recommend this hospice, and 89% rated the overall care a 9 or 10 out of 10.
How does this hospice score on CMS quality measures compared to the state average?
Its composite process score is 100.00, above the Iowa state average of 97.19, and CMS reports 92.6% of patients received visits from staff in the last days of life.
What areas and ZIP codes does this hospice serve?
According to CMS data, this hospice serves 26 ZIP codes from its West Union, Iowa location in Fayette County.
Tip: use our Search by ZIP Code feature to check instantly whether your ZIP is among the 26 this hospice reports serving.
Is this hospice for-profit, non-profit, or government-run — and does it matter?
This hospice is organized as a non-profit. Ownership type doesn't determine care quality directly, but it can be one factor families weigh alongside CMS survey and quality data.
How long has this hospice been Medicare-certified?
This hospice has been Medicare-certified since March 19, 1992.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness alongside curative treatment, while hospice care focuses on comfort rather than cure for people generally expected to have a limited life expectancy.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up treatment?
No. Hospice shifts the focus from curing an illness to comfort and quality of life, but patients continue to receive medical, emotional, and spiritual support tailored to their needs.
Where is hospice care provided — at home or in a facility?
CMS data does not specify care settings for this hospice; please contact them at (563) 422-6267 or verify on Medicare Care Compare.
How do I start hospice care with this provider?
The provided data does not detail the enrollment process; please contact the hospice at (563) 422-6267 to learn how to begin care.
What questions should I ask when choosing a hospice?
Families often ask about caregiver satisfaction survey results, quality measure scores compared to state averages, service area, and how care needs will be met — contact (563) 422-6267 for specifics about this hospice.
How do I verify this hospice on Medicare Care Compare?
You can look up this hospice's current ratings and details at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospice/161521?state=IA.
Data: CMS Care Compare (Jul2026 refresh). Survey results are reported by family caregivers through the official CAHPS Hospice Survey; CMS publishes them only above response-count thresholds. Always verify current details with the hospice and Medicare before arranging care.