We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, earning a #1 ranking in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery and a #2 ranking in Orthopedics in the Washington metropolitan area. Obstetrics & Gynecology is ranked #36 nationally.
Welcome to our hospital
An indispensable provider of complex patient care for the region
As a not-for-profit, 912-bed academic and research center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the largest and busiest hospital in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. The hospital serves as a referral center for patients with the most complex conditions as well as a safety-net provider for residents of our immediate community.
With 400,000 annual patient visits, the Hospital Center is renowned for handling the region’s most challenging cases in such areas as trauma, burn, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and neurosurgery.
MedStar Washington offers an experienced medical/dental and surgical staff of 1,500 physicians and 350 advanced practice providers, and at any given time is leading or participating in more than 390 clinical research trials. With this level of expertise and experience, MedStar Washington attracts approximately 350 residents and fellows annually to its 40 clinical residency and fellowship programs.
Our reputation for excellence is well-earned:
- U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks MedStar Washington as one of the nation’s top 50 hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery.
- Our MedSTAR Trauma Center, offering the nation’s highest level of comprehensive care for critical multiple injury, is recognized nationally for outstanding outcomes.
- We were the first in the area to be designated by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
- We offer the region’s only adult Burn Center, which has served as a national model in advanced burn care therapies.
- Our programs in cancer, critical care, diabetes, gastroenterology, nephrology, orthopaedics, pulmonology, and urology have also earned national respect.
- Nearly 10 years ago, recognizing the vital importance of nursing professional development, MedStar Washington established the Center for Excellence in Nursing, one of the nation’s first hospital-based facilities dedicated to nursing education. And in 2025, our nursing department earned Magnet recognition!
Learn more about MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s highly regarded clinical services.
Visiting our hospital
In this section, we will help you find your way to our campus, located in Northwest Washington, D.C., identify which of our two parking garages you should use, and find your way to the closest hospital entrance to your appointment.
Below you will find directions to our main hospital and to our Physicians Office Building using Google Maps. In addition, you can also click on a full campus map and a set of written driving directions, both of which are printable.
Patient and visitor information
At our center, physicians, nurses, and support staff work together to find the best and most effective treatment for you. With our internationally renowned heart and vascular institute and Level I trauma center, we handle the most complex cases in the region.In-patient experience
While you are here in the hospital, we’ll make sure your stay is as safe, pleasant, and comfortable as possible. Here’s all the information you’ll need.
Insurance
MedStar Health participates with most major health insurance plans. Please contact your insurance company to make sure your plan is covered.
Commitment to Health Equity
Health inequities reflect a complex web of systemic factors that exist nationally and can negatively impact the health of historically marginalized communities.
We believe every person deserves an equal opportunity to achieve their highest level of health, and we will be bold in addressing health inequities impacting our communities by ensuring an inclusive experience, delivering high-quality and safe care equitably, and giving support to those who face social barriers to living their healthiest life possible.
Commitment to Patient Safety
At MedStar Health, we are committed to delivering the highest levels of quality and safety to our patients. Your safety is our number one focus, and we know that focus will also result in the highest quality of care.
Patient Stories
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Advancing Hope: Lisa Ward’s Journey Through Cancer Research
Lisa Ward shares her inspiring cancer journey and the hope she found through participating in a clinical trial at MedStar Health.
Volunteer opportunities
At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, our volunteer services team offers opportunities to improve the experience of patients and visitors alike. Whether it’s providing emotional support through our pet therapy program, music and art therapy, helping visitors navigate the hospital or assisting with spiritual services, we can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your experience level.
Classes and events
Helpful links
Explore our medical education opportunities
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program
Emergency Medicine Health Policy Fellowship
Cardio-Oncology Fellowship Contact:
Frequently asked questions
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What is MedStar Washington Hospital Center known for?
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is known for complex, high-acuity care and is the largest and busiest hospital in the Washington, D.C., region. We are especially recognized for treatment of a full range of cardiovascular disease conditions, burn care, cancer care, stroke, orthopedics, and neurosurgery, among others. We are home to the region’s only adult Burn Center, a nationally verified Level I trauma center, and we are highly regarded for our Safe Babies Safe Moms partnership.
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What is MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s reputation?
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has a strong regional and national reputation. It ranked #16 nationally for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, the #1 hospital in the Washington metro region in 2026, and D.C.’s most socially responsible hospital for 2026.
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Has MedStar Washington Hospital Center received any recent awards or recognitions?
Yes. Recent recognitions include 2025 Magnet® designation for nursing excellence and a Pathways to Excellence® redesignation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2025 and 2026 U.S. News & World Report recognition for cardiology and heart surgery, 2026 Get With The Guidelines awards for stroke and coronary artery disease care by the American Heart Association, Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grades in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, and 2026 recognition from the Lown Institute as D.C.’s most socially responsible hospital. It was also recognized by Becker’s Great Hospitals in America for clinical performance, patient safety, innovation, research, and patient satisfaction. View all current awards and recognitions.
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What services does MedStar Washington Hospital Center offer?
The hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, except for pediatrics and solid organ transplants. We offer a full range of heart and vascular care (including heart transplants), stroke care, cancer care, obstetrics and gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, nephrology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, diabetes care, trauma care, burn care, and urology. It is also a major academic and research hospital with hundreds of clinical trials and dozens of residency and fellowship programs.
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Does MedStar Washington Hospital Center accept insurance?
Yes. MedStar Washington Hospital Center accepts most major health insurance plans. Patients should still verify coverage, referrals, and authorization requirements directly with their insurance company before care.
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How big is MedStar Washington Hospital Center?
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has 912 licensed beds and more than 5,500 staff members. It handles about 400,000 patient visits each year and recorded more than 78,000 emergency department visits in fiscal year 2024.
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How do visitors find their way once they arrive at MedStar Washington Hospital Center?
The hospital has designated entrances, including the Main Entrance on Hospital Center Drive, the Bus Circle Drive Entrance, the Physician Office Building Entrance, and the Cancer Institute Entrance. Patient and Guest Services operates a Welcome Center in the main lobby to help with directions and escort assistance. View detailed location and parking information.
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What are the visiting hours at MedStar Washington Hospital Center?
General visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some departments have different schedules. For example, the Emergency Department generally allows visitors from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and maternal/newborn and surgery areas also have unit-specific visiting rules.
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What amenities are available for patients and visitors?
Patients and visitors have access to free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, dining at the Center Café, and a 24-hour Panera Bread in the Physicians Office Building. The hospital also offers patient and guest services in the main lobby for directions and escort assistance, and its website lists nearby hotels for families traveling from out of town.
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Is MedStar Washington Hospital Center accessible for patients with disabilities?
Yes, MedStar Washington Hospital Center accommodates patients with disabilities and allows support persons.