Mercyone Des Moines Hospice
Des Moines, IA · Medicare-certified hospice (CCN 161506)
CMS process measure: 98.99 (state average 97.19 — above state average)
Serves: 59 ZIP codes (is yours included? →) · Phone: (515) 643-8383 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice received a 3-star CAHPS rating from family caregivers, with 83% saying they would definitely recommend it. Its CMS composite process score of 98.99 is above the Iowa state average of 97.19.
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice serves 59 ZIP codes from its Des Moines, Iowa office in Iowa County, according to CMS Care Compare data.
Yes, MercyOne Des Moines Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 161506, since 1986); the Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility.
About this hospice
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice is a non-profit hospice provider based in Des Moines, Iowa, serving families in Iowa County and the surrounding region. The hospice has been Medicare-certified since May 16, 1986, meaning it has met federal requirements for hospice care for many decades.
According to CMS Care Compare survey data (CAHPS), family caregivers gave MercyOne Des Moines Hospice an overall rating of 3 stars. In that survey, 83% of family caregivers said they would definitely recommend this hospice to others, and 82% rated their overall experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
On CMS's composite process measure, which reflects how consistently a hospice completes a bundle of recommended care processes, MercyOne Des Moines Hospice scored 98.99, compared to the Iowa state average of 97.19 — placing it above the state average. CMS also reports a care index score of 10 and notes that 79.3% of patients received visits in the last days of life, per the published data.
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice's service area, as listed with CMS, covers 59 ZIP codes.
All figures above come from CMS Care Compare data as published; where a measure is not listed, CMS has not published it for this hospice, which is often related to small patient counts rather than any indication of quality. The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients; no cost details are provided here.
Questions families ask
Does Medicare cover care from this hospice?
Yes, MercyOne Des Moines Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 161506), certified since May 16, 1986. 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, family caregivers gave MercyOne Des Moines Hospice a 3-star overall rating, with 83% saying they would definitely recommend it and 82% rating their experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
How does this hospice score on CMS quality measures compared to the state average?
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice's composite process score is 98.99, above the Iowa state average of 97.19, according to CMS data.
What areas and ZIP codes does this hospice serve?
CMS data lists this hospice as serving 59 ZIP codes from its Des Moines, Iowa location in Iowa County.
Tip: use our Search by ZIP Code feature to check instantly whether your ZIP is among the 59 this hospice reports serving.
Is this hospice for-profit, non-profit, or government-run — and does it matter?
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice is organized as a non-profit hospice. Ownership type is one factor among many, alongside CAHPS ratings and quality measures, that families may want to consider.
How long has this hospice been Medicare-certified?
MercyOne Des Moines Hospice has been Medicare-certified since May 16, 1986.
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 is generally for patients who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment, typically when a doctor certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up treatment?
Choosing hospice means shifting the focus of care toward comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life rather than treatments aimed at curing the underlying illness; it does not mean no care is provided.
Where is hospice care provided — at home or in a facility?
The CMS data provided does not specify where this hospice delivers care; contact MercyOne Des Moines Hospice at (515) 643-8383 to ask about their specific settings.
How do I start hospice care with this provider?
The data available does not describe the enrollment process; contact MercyOne Des Moines Hospice directly at (515) 643-8383 to learn how to begin care.
What questions should I ask when choosing a hospice?
Families often ask about CAHPS ratings, quality measures, service area, ownership, and how care is delivered; you can review these details for MercyOne Des Moines Hospice on Medicare Care Compare and by calling (515) 643-8383.
How do I verify this hospice on Medicare Care Compare?
You can look up MercyOne Des Moines Hospice (CCN 161506) directly at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospice/161506?state=IA to confirm current ratings and details.
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.