Patient & Visitor Information | MedStar Washington Hospital Center | MedStar Health
Main entrance to MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Serving you with expertise, compassion, and innovation

We’re a large, academic medical center on a 47-acre campus featuring some of the area’s most experienced healthcare professionals.

We strive to provide superior care to you and serve you and your family with dignity and respect. There is a healing relationship between our patients and caregivers.

Our doctors listen to their patients and partner with them to improve their health.

Our staff always puts patients first.

Amenities and services

Welcome to our center

Visitors are important to our patients' recovery, and we invite you to visit with your friend or loved one. The entire staff at MedStar Washington Hospital Center will make your visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Patient and Guest Services operates a Welcome Center in the main lobby to meet your needs. They provide the following services:

  • Taxi information
  • Patient information
  • Addressing concerns and compliments 
  • Information about our hospital or the Washington, D.C., region
  • Information and directions to area services and locations

Lobby gift shop

Lori's Gifts is located in the main lobby. The gift shop stocks newspapers, magazines, paperback books, toiletry articles, candy, toys, flowers, plants, balloons, greeting cards, and a large gift assortment.

The gift shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 202-877-5894.

Free Wi-Fi

We are pleased to offer free Internet services to patients, visitors, and guests

Please note

  • If headphones are not used, all sound features and webcams must be turned off at all times.
  • Users must consult with caregivers prior to plugging a laptop into an outlet.
  • MedStar Washington does not provide laptops and is not responsible for the security of personal laptops or other wireless devices.

Contact us
For assistance in connecting to the Internet, contact the MedStar Health Wireless Help Desk at 866-833-1463.

Patient visitation guidelines

Given reduced regional COVID-19 transmission levels and the end of flu season, in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Departments of Health, MedStar Health will move to the following face mask optional guidance across all MedStar Health locations, effective April 10, 2023.

  • Face masks (N95 respirators or procedure masks) are optional for all asymptomatic associates, patients and visitors, including those in clinical areas.
  • A new isolation order, “Masking Required” will be available in MedConnect for cases when a provider or patient requests masking in a patient’s room. This order may be used at clinician discretion for patients who are at higher risk for infection (e.g., immunocompromised patients) or when a patient requests that associates mask in their room. Additionally, signage indicating the masking order will be available for patient doors.
  • Patients can request that providers and associates wear a face mask in their treatment area.
  • Face masks will be available onsite for patients, visitors and associates.

Given reduced COVID-19 transmission levels across the Washington D.C. region, MedStar Health entities are adopting entity-specific practices for patient visitation, effective Nov. 1, 2022.
Patients and visitors will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entering MedStar Health facilities.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center has the right to make changes without notice in the event of an emergency.

Effective, Nov. 1, 2022, MedStar Washington Hospital Center will implement the following guidelines for patient visitation:

Patient support persons

Patients with communications deficits are allowed to have a primary support person (PSP) which may be selected by the patient, designated decision maker, and/or family. Patients must be provided accommodations for a PSP. The PSP will be counted in the number of allowable visitors but is not considered a visitor. The CMO or CNO may be contacted when exceptions are requested.

Visitor access and identification (family and visitor passes)

  • Visiting hours each day are from 9 a.m. -  8 p.m.

All visitors are to enter through a designated hospital entrance during posted hours of operation. Designated entrances are as follows:

  • Main Entrance on Hospital Center Drive
  • Bus Circle Drive Entrance
  • Physician Office building Entrance on Hospital Center Drive
  • Cancer Institute Entrance on Hospital Center Drive

MedStar Washington Hospital Center has a new Visitor Management system

Patients and visitors will be asked to present their driver's license or government-issued ID to a Patient/Guest Services representative at these entrances:

  • Main Entrance on Hospital Center Drive
  • Bus Circle Drive Entrance
  • Cancer Institute Entrance
  • Emergency Room
  • Labor & Delivery
  • If you do not have an ID, your photo and other information will be gathered for the badge.

Patients and visitors will be issued a sticker badge with the date, time of entry, entrance location, destination, photo, and a QR code specific to the holder of the badge. The badge is to be worn on the upper part of the body, visible to others, throughout the stay. The sticker badge will then be scanned when you leave the hospital. Visitors should check out at the entrances to allow additional visitors in.

  • Inpatient

    • Total number of visitors per patient is limited to no more than two (2) at a time.
  • Compassionate care

    • Two visitors at a time with no visiting hour restrictions for end-of-life situations.
    • Two (2) visitors in person to participate in palliative care, hospice, or ethics consult to assist with decisions and goals of care.
  • Emergency department

    Total number of visitors per patient is limited to one (1) at a time.

    • One (1) visitor is permitted for patients in hallway stretchers or in exam rooms. 
    • During triage/intake, one (1) visitor may accompany the patient for an initial assessment. The triage/Intake Nurse will determine if it is appropriate for the visitor to accompany the patient beyond the initial assessment phase.
    • One (1) parent/guardian may accompany children under 18 years of age.
  • Surgical and procedural departments

    • Pre-Op – Up to two (2) visitors may be permitted at the patient’s bedside upon completion of the registration and pre-op admission process, at the discretion of the primary nurse.
    • Visitors may be required to return to the waiting room to allow patient care activities, at the discretion of the primary nurse.
    • PACU – Up to two (2) visitors may be permitted at the patient’s bedside every 1-2 hours.

    Exceptions to visitation guidelines

    The clinical care team may determine exceptions to the general visitation guidelines on a case-by-case basis in situations such as:

    • Patients who are COVID-19 positive or a person under investigation (PUI)
    • Patients in critical condition or at end of life
    • Patients going to or returning from, surgery outside of normal visiting hours
  • Obstetrics / Labor and delivery

    Visitation for patients located in our labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and critical care units is permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    • Three (3) approved visitors for duration of labor and delivery. A doula can be the approved visitor. Must remain with the patient.
    • One (1) visitor is permitted in triage/assessment room.
    • Three (3) visitors are permitted in recovery room.
    • No restrictions on hours.
  • Antepartum

    • Total number of visitors per patient is limited to no more than two at a time.
    • No restrictions on hours.
  • Postpartum (mother and baby)

    • Two (2) approved visitor for duration of the stay, who may leave and re-enter the postpartum area once per day but must remain in the patient room.
    • No restriction on hours.
  • NICU

    • Two (2) approved parent/guardian, who must stay in designated area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Pediatrics

    • Two (2) approved parent/guardian, who must stay in the patient room 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Acute care rehabilitation

    • Total number of visitors per patient is limited to no more than two at a time.
  • Behavioral health units

    • Total number of visitors per patient is limited to no more than two at a time. Visitation hours are as follows:
      • Monday thru Friday – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Weekends and Holidays – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6.p.m. to 8 p.m.

A patient- and family-centered approach to care

MedStar Washington promotes and supports a patient- and family-centered approach to care. We understand how important family and friendly relationships are to our patients.

That’s why all hospitalized patients have the right to have visitors of their choice during their stay, unless visitation interferes with the well-being, rights, or safety of others, or is not medically indicated in the patient’s care.

Since the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors will always be our top priority, these policies may be subject to change. We are following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so that patients affected by COVID-19 will be able to get the care they need while protecting the health and safety of our associates and the community at large.

We will not deny visitation privileges based on race, religion, ethnicity, language, culture, size, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, or physical or mental ability or disability. Patients will be informed of these rights upon admission to the hospital.

Intensive care and intermediate care units

Visitors in intensive care and intermediate care units are generally limited to members of the immediate family or same-sex partner, and are allowed at the discretion of the nursing staff.

Flowers and plants are not permitted in intensive care units or intermediate care units on 1E and 2E, as well as the ER One Bridge.

Surgical visitation

Family members and same-sex partners may stay with patients immediately before surgery, even if this is outside visiting hours. During surgery, visitors may wait in the surgical waiting rooms where the surgeons and/or nurses will talk with them following surgery.

Visitors are not permitted in the operating rooms at any time. Family members and same-sex partners may visit patients in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for brief periods of time.

Children

Children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the medical/surgical patient care areas, but they are welcome in waiting areas. Maternity patients may arrange through their nurses for older siblings to visit mom and the new baby.

Special arrangements in other clinical areas may be made on a case-by-case basis through the head nurse or clinical supervisor.

Dining options

dining area

Our cafeteria

The Center Café, our large, full-service cafeteria, is located on the ground floor of the main hospital building. Follow the fork and knife signs on the ground floor to the cafeteria.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are available
  • Open every day from 6:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our cafeteria is currently closed to patients and visitors.  You may visit Panera Bread (open 24 hours). We apologize for any inconvenience.

Panera Bread®

Panera Bread is located in the Samet Atrium beside the elevators for the Physicians Office Building South on the first floor.

  • A variety of meals and snacks are available
  • Open 24 hours

Gourmet meals

Our gourmet meals program combines elegant food and service with optimal nutrition for your health and well-being. Gourmet evening meals are prepared by our experienced staff and delivered to your room. Your nurse should make reservations by noon and a hospitality assistant will bring you a menu and take your order between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.

  • There is a charge of $36.90 for a gourmet lunch or dinner.
  • This charge will be added to your patient bill.
  • Our staff will be happy to accommodate special diet requests.
  • Pro Health Dining (PHD) options are identified on the menu.

Hotels and accommodations

Preferred rates

For your convenience, we have negotiated with the following hotels for preferred rates for our patients and their families who need accommodations while being treated at the hospital. Ask for a referral letter from one of our information desks located at the entrances of the hospital. If you have questions, please call 202-877-4968.

 

Additional information

  • Hotels

    Hampton Inn
    501 New York Ave NE Suite A
    Washington, D.C., 20002
    Reservations: 1-202-393-1001
    www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcanyhx-hampton-washington-dc-noma-union-station

    Holiday Inn Central
    1501 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C., 20005
    Reservations: 202-483-2000,1-800-248-0016
    E-mail: rays@inndc.com
    Rate: $159 and up + tax, based upon availability
    www.inndc.com

    Holiday Inn Express, National Arboretum
    1917 Bladensburg Rd., NE
    Washington, D.C., 20002
    Reservations: 202-266-9000
    Rate: $129 and up + tax, based upon availability
    www.dchotelrooms.com

    Transportation: Shuttle available for MedStar Washington patients and family members from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., noon to 1:00 p.m., and 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

    Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott—Washington
    2305 New York Avenue, NE
    Washington, D.C., 20002
    Reservations: 202-266-3000
    Rate: $129 and up + tax, based upon availability
    www.dchotelrooms.com

    Transportation: Shuttle available for MedStar Washington patients and family members from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., noon to 1:00 p.m., and 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

    Courtyard Washington, D.C./U.S. Capitol
    1325 2nd Street NE
    Washington, D.C., 20002
    www.marriott.com/wasus
    Reservations: 202-898-4000
    Rates
    Weekday (Sunday to Thursday night) $179 and up + tax
    Weekend (Friday to Saturday night) $109 and up + tax
    All rates based on availability.

    To book these special rates online, please enter code MZ1 under Corporate/Promotional codes when booking through the Marriott website (www.marriott.com).

    Four Seasons, Washington, D.C.
    2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C., 20007
    www.fourseasons.com/washington

    Four Seasons offers two restaurants, bars, and a 24/7 fitness center.
    Reservations: 202-944-2068, ting.gong@fourseasons.com
    Rates: Discounted rates are based on availability. Please reference MedStar Washington Hospital Center when calling to receive discounted rates.

    Transportation: Complimentary use of House Car on a first-come, first-serve basis from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Sunday.

    The Canopy by Hilton Washington, D.C. Embassy Row
    1600 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C., 20036
    Reservations: 202-293-0000
    www.washingtondcembassyrow.canopybyhilton.com
    Rate: 15% off lowest published rate

    The Hay Adams Hotel
    800 16th Street, NW
    Washington, D.C., 20006
    Reservations: 202-638-6600
    Rates:
    Standard room—$335 and up
    Executive studio—$375 and up
    Deluxe view room—$405 and up
    All rates based upon availability.
    www.hayadams.com

    Suite America
    Fully furnished corporate apartments throughout MD, DC, and VA
    Reservations: tiffany@suiteamerica.com ,1-877-827-8483, ext. 118 or Kim Dunbar at dunbar@suiteamerica.com, 703-690-2030.
    Please reference MedStar Washington Hospital Center to receive discounted rates.
    Rates:
    One bedroom—$110 to $150 and up + tax
    Two bedroom—$130-$175 and up + tax
    All rates based upon availability.
    Suite America

    Crowne Plaza Crystal City—Washington, D.C.
    1480 Crystal Drive
    Arlington, VA 22202
    https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/arlington/wasna/hoteldetail

    The Embassy Row Hotel
    2015 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C., 20036
    Reservations: 1-855-336-2900 or at www.embassyrowhotel.com
    Please enter the code (WHC)
    Rates:
    March to July—$179 and up + tax
    August—$119 and up + tax
    September to November 14—$179 and up + tax
    November 15 to February—$119 and up + tax
    All rates based upon availability.

    Bridgestreet Residences, Serviced Apartments and Suites
    BridgeStreet provides fully furnished apartments in the Washington, D.C., region, Maryland, and Virginia.
    Rates:
    Studio and one-bedroom apartments—$100 and up per day
    Two-bedroom apartments—$130 and up per day
    There is no minimum stay.
    Please call direct to office 703-208-9110 or email request to Washington.sales@bridgestreet.com.

  • Corporate Housing

    Attache Corporate Housing

    Our unique furnished apartments, condos, and townhouses in Washington, D.C., feature great locations with easy access to MedStar Washington and the local metro stops. Since no two furnished properties are alike, we can help you find the one that best fits your specific needs and budget.

    We are based in Washington, D.C., and are locally owned and operated. We are committed to making your stay as convenient as possible. Plus, the hospital's free shuttle is available to most of our properties.

    Reservations/Information: 800-957-8321 or 202-787-1885 or info@StayAttache.com
    Rates (starting at): Studios—$2,300+/month
    One bedrooms—$2,600 to $3,900/month
    Two bedrooms—$3,500+/month
    Three and four bedrooms—Call for pricing.

    Rates are based on a 30-day stay and based on availability. Be sure to mention you are coming in to visit MedStar Washington Hospital Center when you call.

    Churchill Living, Fully Furnished/Serviced Apartments and Furniture Rental

    Churchill Living provides fully furnished apartments in Washington, D.C., region; Maryland; Virginia; and nationwide.

    Rates (starting at):
    1-bedroom apartments—$129 per day and up per day
    2-bedroom apartments—$159 per day and up per day
    3 night minimum stay. Metro accessible to MedStar Washington. Please call Dawn Rana at 571-262-1674 or email Dawnr@ChurchillLivng.com for rates and availability.

    Just Like Home Apartments

    We offer fully furnished, expertly decorated studio; one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments located near Metro, shopping, restaurants, and bars in the DC Metro area. Prices start at $130/night and include amenities, monthly cleaning, and utilities.
    Reference MedStar Washington Hospital Center for special considerations and price specials.
    Learn more: https://justlikehomeapartments.com
    Call now: (202) 718-5521
    Contact Ruth Roman, Business Development
    Manager: rroman@justlikehomeapartments.com

    Weichert Furnished Housing

    • One- and two-bedroom fully furnished apartments easily accessible to MedStar Washington.
    • Available for a three-night minimum stay.
    • Reduced rates for visitors to MedStar Washington (10% discount off market rates).
    • Parking available at all properties and full-service buildings.
    • 24-hour customer service.

    Reserve your furnished apartment today! (Please mention you are affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center to receive reduced rates!)

    Locations
    Washington,
    D.C.: http://www.weichertcorporatehousing.com/locations/dc/furnished-apartments-washington-dc

    Arlington,
    VA: http://www.weichertcorporatehousing.com/locations/va/arlington

    Tyson’s Corner,
    VA: http://www.weichertcorporatehousing.com/locations/va/mclean

    Silver Spring,
    MD: http://www.weichertcorporatehousing.com/locations/md/silver-spring

    For additional locations, please contact us at www.weichertcorporatehousing.com

    Pricing starting at $149/night in Washington, D.C., and $129/night in Virginia and Maryland.

    Included in each reservation:

    • All furniture, housewares, and linens
    • All utilities
    • Local calling, wireless telephone, BluRay player
    • Expanded cable with flat screen LCD TVs in living room and primary bedroom
    • Wi-Fi Internet
    • All appliances, washer and dryer in unit
    • 24-hour customer service
    • Pull-out sleeper sofa in living room
    • Access to all complimentary building amenities
    • Pet friendly (additional fee)
    • Parking available (additional fee)

    Contact Information:
    Craig Wowkanyn
    Director of Business Development
    P 571-341-2501
    C 301-325-7194
    E cwowkanyn@WeichertCH.com
    www.weichertcorporatehousing.com