EXHIBIT 23.1

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-72888) pertaining to the Odyssey HealthCare, Inc. Stock Option Plan,
the Odyssey HealthCare, Inc. 2002 Equity-Based Compensation Plan and the Odyssey
HealthCare, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan of our report dated January 31,
2003, except for Note 7 as to which the date is February 24, 2003, with respect
to the consolidated financial statements of Odyssey HealthCare, Inc. and
subsidiaries included in  the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2002.


Dallas, Texas
March 25, 2003