Hospice by the Numbers – Comparison of Rural, Urban and Mixed Service Areas

Again, we took a few minutes and ran queries in the MVI Benchmarking Application (BA) to get stratified data that compares rural, urban and mixed hospices. Below are the results. In this article, as in all articles of this nature, we will not interpret the numbers, but will rather let the numbers speak for themselves.

We have also selected a number of data-points of interest relating to this query. Any filter criteria selection in the BA impacts MANY areas and aspects of operations. This is why we designed our query system so interested parties can get a more complete view of hospice operations within the constraints of the data in our database. Querying the database by Service Area type is a great way to illustrate this.

Also, keep in mind that when looking for best practices, rarely (if ever) are they found in the masses or the most commonly used approaches. Otherwise, how could they be best?! However, the measure of central tendency (with the median being the most accurate) is absolutely essential in order to gain perspective so you can separate yourself from the herd. Without this, you have little perspective and are operating in a vacuum. True hospice professionals know what is happening in our industry.

MVI uses the median or 50th percentile as it is the most accurate measure of central tendency, superior to averages (mean) or modes.

*** Note: As in previous graphs, Primary Service Area is a self-reported field, and there are some hospices who have not provided this information. Therefore, the total number of hospice entities reporting one of the 3 Service Area choices is less than 313.

– by Andrew Reed & Chris Vicars