Wellstar Community Hospice
A hospice in Austell, Georgia 30106
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell, Georgia 30106. (770) 732-6710.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026.
- 13 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- 3of 5 family caregiver rating
- 10of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean3
- Star ratings
- CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
13 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 32 hospices serving ZIP code 30106 had 4.
The last inspection on record was on Aug 25, 2026: a complaint inspection by the state.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
When those deficiencies happened
13 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Jul 2026. Most serious: Standard-level. The last 3 years, to Oct 27, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, as cited
Rule titles as CMS’s inspectors cite them, set in sentence case.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Jul 24, 2026: reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission13 deficiencies
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(5))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 3 of 23 patient records reviewed, the hospice did not adequately document the severity of symptoms. Both RR#12, RR#13, and RR#14 had wounds that required dressing. The area in the assessments related to wound measurements was left blank. Per the RN manager, it was the organization’s process and expectation that wounds would be measured.”
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(8))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 2 of 23 patient records reviewed, the hospice did not evaluate for volunteer services. There was no documentation in RR#2 & RR#9 of the acceptance and or rejection of volunteer services. This observation was discussed the RN manager.”
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Update of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(d))
The inspectors’ words, 106 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 3 of 23 patient records reviewed, the comprehensive assessment was not updated based on changes that occurred within the last 15 days. RR#5 was placed on gabapentin to address pain. The IDT assessment immediately following this change in treatment did not address the effectiveness of the medication change. Similarly, RR#4 was placed on Decadron for symptom management. The IDT immediately following this change did not address if this new medication was effective. RR#16 was admitted for respite and the IDG prior and post discharge from the unit did not address the respite stay. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c))
The inspectors’ words, 109 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 2 of 23 patient records reviewed, the patient goals outlined on the comprehensive care plan was not individualized. The target dates to achieve a stated goal was typically set to coincide with the date of the IDT review. For example, RR#1 had problems related to wounds, was oxygen dependent, and had a Foley. The target dates on goals that addressed these issues all were the same date and coincided with the next IDT review date. Similarly, RR#2 had pain and the target date to achieve relief was xx/xx/xxxx or the next date for the IDT review. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 171 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 5 of 23 patient records reviewed, the comprehensive care plan did not include all of the interventions required to manage pain and other symptoms. Based on the assessment and initial orders of RR#1, this patient had a Foley. The comprehensive care plan did not include specific orders for the Foley related to the catheter/balloon size or the frequency of change. Based on the assessment of RR #3, the patient required aspiration precautions. The comprehensive care plan did not include aspiration precautions nor was there any interventions detailed on the care plan that addressed this risk. RR#10 was taking daily aspirin and there was no interventions related to bleeding precautions on the care plan. RR#12 was on a trilogy ventilator and the comprehensive care plan did not include the settings. RR#17 had a history of a DVT and had residual pain in extremity and was on aspirin therapy. The comprehensive care plan did not have interventions for either issue. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(4))
The inspectors’ words, 195 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 3 of 6 home visits conducted, the care plan was not updated to reflect the medications that the patient was currently taking. Based on discussions with RR#1’s primary caretaker, there multiple medication discrepancies noted. The patient was no longer taking; methenamine Hippurate, nitrofurantoin, prednisone, and teriflunomide however these medications were listed as active. Additionally, the patient was currently taking the following medications however these medications were not listed as active; baclofen, a probiotic, pantoprazole, and metolazone. Per the husband, these medication changes were not recent. RR#14 was NPO and the following medications were listed on the active medication record as given by mouth; aspirin, Aricept, Prozac, Gabapentin, Morphine and Crestor. Per the care giver for RR#2, the patient was taking oxycodone but this medication was not listed on the current medication profile. The SNF medication administration record of RR#5 reflected that patient was given Colace and Ferrous Sulfate these medications were not listed on the active hospice medication list. Additionally, the SNF medication record reflected that Mitazapine 7.5 mg was given the hospice medication record reflected that 15 mg should be given This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Review of the plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(d ))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 1 of 23 patient records reviewed, the care plan was not updated. RR#12 had a wound that required treatment, the subsequent IDT(s)/updates to the plan of care did not reflect the wound care or the status of the wound. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Prevention (42 CFR 418.60(a))
The inspectors’ words, 94 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 1 of 6 home visits conducted, the RN did not follow policy JP 02-01 Hand Hygiene. Specifically, the RN in RR#1 was observed in excess of 5 times cleaning her gloves off with hand sanitizer. These instances occurred while retrieving items from her nursing bag, after cleaning used equipment, and prior to performing wound care. Additionally, after removing a soiled heel dressing, the RN was observed applying a new dressing utilizing the same gloves. This heel wound was a stage 4. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 118 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 4 of 6 patient records reviewed, that had aide services, the aide care plans did not reflect all of the interventions required based on the assessments. RR#8 was on aspiration precautions and was on oxygen. The aide care plan did not include aspiration precautions and or oxygen precautions. RR#1 had a foley, had a wound and was on oxygen and the aide care plan did not include foley, wound or oxygen precautions. RR#2 was on aspiration precautions and was on oxygen. The aide care plan did not include either precautions. RR#3 was on aspiration precautions and this was not included on the aide care plan. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Hospice plan of care (42 CFR 418.112(d)(1))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 1 of 5 patient records reviewed, that resided in the skilled nursing facility, the hospice did not delineate on the care plan who would be responsible for care. RR#12 resided in a nursing facility and had a wound that required dressing. The hospice care plan did not reflect who would be responsible for the wound care. This observation was discussed with the RN manager.”
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Coordination of services (42 CFR 418.112(e)(3)(i))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 1 of 1 home visits conducted, of patients that resided in a SNF, the hospice did not comprehensively coordinate services with the nursing home. Based on a review of the hospice record left in the facility of RR#5 the most recent hospice plan of care was not in the record. This observation was discussed with the RN director.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(d)(1)(i))
“Observed in Building Tour. There were 2 unsealed penetrations in the in the 1 hour rated fire barrier in the basement. This was verified by the Engineering Supervisor. This finding was observed during survey activity, but corrected onsite prior to the surveyor’s departure. The corrective action taken needs to be included in the organization’s Evidence of Standards Compliance submission.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(e))
“Observed in Building Tour. There were 12 H- size Oxygen tanks standing inside the outdoor fenced area that were not secured. This was verified by the Engineering Supervisor. Observed in Building Tour. The liquid oxygen storage area located inside a fence outback of the Hospice Facility did not have a sign reading No Smoking No open flames, and the fence did not have a ‘No Parking Within 10 feetsign.”
All 3 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2026 | Complaint inspection by the state | No deficiencies cited |
| Jul 24, 2026 | Reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission | 13 deficiencies cited |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Complaint inspection by the state | No deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Jun 19, 1984.
- Ownership: for-profit.
- No For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual. deficiency or CMS’s most serious finding: the place’s failure to meet a rule caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to someone in its care. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 489.3. on record in the last three years.
CMS, Hospice General Information. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Has anything been proven against it?
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- 0 deficiencies cited in the last three years came from inspections that included a complaint investigation.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Who does the caring?
- From Medicare claims (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024): 14 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 11.9% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 91.9% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 76% at home, 6% in assisted living, 8% in a skilled nursing facility, 9% in an inpatient hospice, 1% elsewhere.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 14.0 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 11.9% |
| Visits near death | 91.9% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- Wellstar Health System Inc. owns an unstated share directly since Jul 1, 2009; Cobb Hospital Inc. owns an unstated share directly since Jul 1, 2009.
- Wellstar Health System Inc. and Cobb Hospital Inc. run it.
- 21 owners or officers are people: Joseph A Reppert (corporate officer, 100%); Joseph A Reppert (managing employee (on the payroll), 100%); John Kerndl (corporate officer, 100%); John Kerndl (managing employee (on the payroll), 100%); Ebenezer Erzuah (managing employee (on the payroll), 100%); William C Brock (corporate director, 5%); Heather Graham (corporate director, 5%); Orrin S Swayze (corporate director, 5%); John C Mckibben (corporate director, 5%); Keith Parker (corporate director, 5%); Paul Lawrence Douglass (corporate director, 5%); Mitzi Moore (corporate director, 5%); Gretchen Corbin (corporate director, 5%); James Glen Cunningham (corporate director, 5%); Mark Berry (corporate director, 5%); James Holmes (corporate director, 5%); Greg Morgan (corporate director, 5%); James L Hornsby (corporate director, 5%); Edward Richardson (corporate director, 5%); David Bottoms (corporate director, 5%); Frank Ros (corporate director, 5%).
- No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
- No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
CMS, Hospice All Owners and Hospice Enrollments. Released Sep 29, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Organisation | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellstar Health System Inc. | Owns 5% or more directly | Jul 1, 2009 | |
| Wellstar Health System Inc. | Runs it (operational or managerial control) | Jul 1, 2009 | |
| Cobb Hospital Inc. | Owns 5% or more directly | Jul 1, 2009 | |
| Cobb Hospital Inc. | Runs it (operational or managerial control) | Jul 1, 2009 |
What do families say?
- Family caregivers rate it 3 of 5 in CMS’s survey (Oct 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2025): 86% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 86% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 98.24% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 37.9% had visits from a nurse or social worker on at least 2 of their last 3 days (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
CMS, CAHPS Hospice Survey and Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Family caregiver survey ratingCMS star rating from its survey of patients’ family caregivers, 1 to 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Hospice Care IndexCMS’s Hospice Care Index, 0 to 10 (higher is better): a point for each of ten measures from Medicare claims on which the hospice meets CMS’s threshold | 10 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 32 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 30106, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 4; this one had 13.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Wellstar Community Hospice This hospice | 13 |
| Hospice of Lake & Sumter Inc. | 0 |
| Hospice Atlanta | 15 |
| Pruitthealth Hospice and Palliative Care-Atlanta | 0 |
| Gentiva | 10 |
| Vitas Healthcare Corporation of Georgia | 10 |
| Brightmoor Hospice, LLC | 23 |
| Compassus-Kennesaw | 5 |
| Dynamic Hospice | 4 |
| Heart of Hospice North Atlanta | 0 |
| Regency Southerncare | 18 |
| Accentcare Hospice & Palliative Care of Georgia | 5 |
What the record doesn’t say
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- Only complaints that led to a citation appear; complaints that didn’t aren’t published.
- CMS ended its Special Focus Program for hospices with serious problems on Feb 14, 2025, so no hospice is marked as one.
- Hospice quality measures have a gap from October 2025: CMS replaced its patient assessment then, and public results from the new one (HOPE) are expected around November 2027.
Sources
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice General Information (yc9t-dgbk).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Provider Data (252m-zfp9).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CAHPS Hospice Survey (gxki-hrr8).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, QCOR hospice inspection reports (Hospice Survey Reports - Oct 2021 through Sep 2026.xlsx).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice All Owners (e983965e-1603-4cb8-82b5-c40090e380d1).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Enrollments (25704213-e833-4b8b-9dbc-58dd17149209).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice ZIP Data (95rg-2usp).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: CMS. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 27, 2026.
From the hospice
The public record above comes first. Anything the hospice adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the hospice will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the hospice”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.