Ascend Hospice
Cranford, NJ · Medicare-certified hospice (CCN 311541)
CMS process measure: 99 (state average 96.87 — above state average)
Serves: 309 ZIP codes (is yours included? →) · Phone: (908) 931-9080 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
Ascend Hospice has a CAHPS family-caregiver rating of 3 stars, with 77% of caregivers saying they would definitely recommend it. Its CMS composite process score of 99.00 is above the New Jersey state average of 96.87.
Ascend Hospice serves 309 ZIP codes from its Cranford, New Jersey office in Union County.
Yes, Ascend Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 311541, since 1995); the Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility.
About this hospice
Ascend Hospice is a for-profit hospice based in Cranford, New Jersey, serving families in Union County and beyond. It has been Medicare-certified since June 21, 1995, with CMS Certification Number (CCN) 311541.
According to CMS Care Compare data, family caregivers who responded to the CAHPS Hospice Survey gave Ascend Hospice an overall rating of 3 stars. Seventy-seven percent said they would definitely recommend this hospice to others, and 73 percent rated their experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
On CMS's composite process measure, which reflects how consistently a hospice performs a bundle of recommended care processes, Ascend Hospice scored 99.00, compared to the New Jersey state average of 96.87 — placing it above the state average. CMS also reports a care index score of 10 and notes that 56.4% of patients received visits from staff in the last days of life, according to the most recent published data.
Ascend Hospice's service area covers 309 ZIP codes, reflecting a broad reach from its Cranford office.
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 and reflect the most recently published survey and measure vintage available. Families are encouraged to verify current details directly on Medicare Care Compare or by contacting the hospice.
Questions families ask
Does Medicare cover care from this hospice?
Yes. Ascend Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 311541) since June 21, 1995, 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?
CMS Care Compare data shows a 3-star CAHPS rating, with 77% of family caregivers saying they would definitely recommend Ascend Hospice and 73% rating their experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
How does this hospice score on CMS quality measures compared to the state average?
Ascend Hospice's composite process score is 99.00, above the New Jersey state average of 96.87. CMS also lists a care index score of 10 and reports that 56.4% of patients received visits from staff in the last days of life.
What areas and ZIP codes does this hospice serve?
Ascend Hospice, based in Cranford, New Jersey (Union County), serves 309 ZIP codes according to CMS data.
Tip: use our Search by ZIP Code feature to check instantly whether your ZIP is among the 309 this hospice reports serving.
Is this hospice for-profit, non-profit, or government-run — and does it matter?
Ascend Hospice is a for-profit hospice. Ownership type does not directly determine quality of care; CMS quality measures and CAHPS survey results are a more direct indicator of family experience.
How long has this hospice been Medicare-certified?
Ascend Hospice has been Medicare-certified since June 21, 1995.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of a serious illness to ease symptoms, while hospice care focuses on comfort rather than cure for patients believed to be in the last months of life.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up treatment?
No. Choosing hospice means shifting the focus of care to comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curing an illness; it does not mean abandoning medical support or symptom management.
Where is hospice care provided — at home or in a facility?
This is not specified in the CMS data provided; please contact Ascend Hospice at (908) 931-9080 or check Medicare Care Compare to confirm where care is provided.
How do I start hospice care with this provider?
The CMS data does not describe the intake process; contact Ascend Hospice directly at (908) 931-9080 to learn how to begin care.
What questions should I ask when choosing a hospice?
Families often ask about caregiver satisfaction ratings, how the hospice performs on CMS quality measures, its service area, and how care needs are met; you can review these details for Ascend Hospice on Medicare Care Compare and by calling (908) 931-9080.
How do I verify this hospice on Medicare Care Compare?
You can look up Ascend Hospice (CCN 311541) directly at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospice/311541?state=NJ to confirm current ratings and measures.
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.