Prairie Lakes Hospice
Watertown, SD · Medicare-certified hospice (CCN 431504)
CMS process measure: 93.38 (state average 96.88 — below state average)
Serves: 57 ZIP codes (is yours included? →) · Phone: (605) 882-7745 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
Prairie Lakes Hospice received 4 out of 5 stars from family caregivers in the CMS CAHPS survey, with 89% saying they would definitely recommend it. Its CMS composite process-of-care score of 93.38 is below the South Dakota state average of 96.88.
Prairie Lakes Hospice serves 57 ZIP codes from its office in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County.
Yes, Prairie Lakes Hospice is Medicare-certified, with CCN 431504, certified since 1989. The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility.
About this hospice
Prairie Lakes Hospice is a non-profit hospice based in Watertown, South Dakota, serving families in Codington County and the surrounding region. It has been Medicare-certified since August 7, 1989 (CCN 431504), meaning it meets federal requirements for hospice care and can be paid through the Medicare hospice benefit, which covers hospice care for eligible patients when a doctor certifies eligibility.
According to CMS Care Compare survey data, family caregivers gave Prairie Lakes Hospice an overall rating of 4 stars. In the CAHPS Hospice Survey, 89% of families said they would definitely recommend this hospice to others, and 84% rated their experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
On CMS's composite process-of-care measure, Prairie Lakes Hospice scored 93.38, which is below the South Dakota state average of 96.88. CMS also reports a care index score of 10 and notes that 90.7% of patients received visits from hospice staff in the last days of life, based on the published data.
Prairie Lakes Hospice's service area, as reflected in CMS data, spans 57 ZIP codes. Where any specific measure is not mentioned above, CMS has not published it for this hospice, which often happens with smaller patient counts and does not indicate poor quality.
All figures in this profile come from CMS Care Compare data and reflect the most recent published vintage available. Families are encouraged to verify current figures directly on Medicare Care Compare.
Questions families ask
Does Medicare cover care from this hospice?
Yes. Prairie Lakes Hospice is Medicare-certified (CCN 431504) since August 7, 1989, 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?
Family caregivers gave Prairie Lakes Hospice an overall rating of 4 stars, with 89% saying they would definitely recommend it and 84% rating their experience 9 or 10 out of 10.
How does this hospice score on CMS quality measures compared to the state average?
Its composite process-of-care score is 93.38, which is below the South Dakota state average of 96.88.
What areas and ZIP codes does this hospice serve?
CMS data shows Prairie Lakes Hospice serving 57 ZIP codes from its Watertown, South Dakota office in Codington County.
Tip: use our Search by ZIP Code feature to check instantly whether your ZIP is among the 57 this hospice reports serving.
Is this hospice for-profit, non-profit, or government-run — and does it matter?
Prairie Lakes Hospice is a non-profit organization. Ownership type does not directly determine quality, but families may want to review CMS survey and quality data alongside it.
How long has this hospice been Medicare-certified?
Prairie Lakes Hospice has been Medicare-certified since August 7, 1989.
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 and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer pursued, typically for those with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up treatment?
Choosing hospice means shifting the focus of care to comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life rather than curing the underlying illness; it does not mean giving up care or support.
Where is hospice care provided — at home or in a facility?
This data does not specify care settings for Prairie Lakes Hospice; please contact the hospice at (605) 882-7745 or verify details on Medicare Care Compare.
How do I start hospice care with this provider?
To learn how to begin hospice care, contact Prairie Lakes Hospice directly at (605) 882-7745 and confirm details on Medicare Care Compare.
What questions should I ask when choosing a hospice?
Families may want to ask about caregiver support, how often staff visit, and how the hospice's CAHPS survey results and quality scores compare to state averages; contact Prairie Lakes Hospice at (605) 882-7745 for specifics.
How do I verify this hospice on Medicare Care Compare?
You can view Prairie Lakes Hospice's official CMS profile at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospice/431504?state=SD.
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.