Medstar Washington Hospital Center: Patient Guide

🏥 Complete Patient & Visitor Action Guide

Fast help for visits, records, portal, parking and billing at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is located at 110 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010. This guide is built for real patient intent: who to call, where to park, which entrance to use, how to handle records, how to use the portal, how to pay a bill, and what to prepare before visiting.

Address110 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
Main hospital202-877-7000
Patient info202-877-6267

Emergency first: call 911 for urgent danger

Call 911 immediately for chest pain, stroke symptoms, trouble breathing, major trauma, severe bleeding, overdose, loss of consciousness, suicidal danger or any life-threatening emergency. This independent page cannot provide triage, ambulance dispatch, diagnosis or treatment advice.

Quick visual context before using the guide

This video is included near the quick-answer area as broad visual context for MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Use it only as a helpful visual reference; confirm current parking, entrance, appointment, visitor and emergency details on official MedStar pages before taking action.

Video schema rule followed: VideoObject schema is not added because a verified uploadDate was not confirmed. No fake uploadDate and no page-publish-date-as-uploadDate is used.

Quick solver: choose your problem and take the right action

Use this section first. It gives the direct route for the most common patient and visitor tasks.

Your need Best action now Prepare before calling/clicking Avoid this mistake
Go to the hospital Use 110 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010. Search the full hospital name and address in GPS. Do not search only “Washington Hospital” because unrelated results may appear.
Call the hospital operator 202-877-7000 Say: “Please connect me to the department for…” Do not share full medical details until you reach the correct department.
Schedule a doctor visit 202-877-DOCS / 202-877-3627 Specialty, insurance plan, referral status and preferred date. Do not assume a provider accepts your insurance without checking.
Ask about a patient Patient Information: 202-877-6267 Patient name, relationship and reason for calling. Privacy rules may limit what staff can share.
Report concern or complaint Compliments/Complaints: 202-877-4968 Visit date, unit, patient name, concern summary and callback number. Do not post protected health information publicly.
Request medical records Medical Records: 202-877-7181 Patient ID details, record type, date range and signed authorization. Email requests or authorizations are not accepted for MWHC records.
Pay or question a bill Billing Customer Service: 800-280-9006 Statement, account number, date of service and insurance EOB. Do not pay from random text/email links without verifying.
Ask financial aid questions 844-817-6087 or 410-933-4966 Bill, insurance status, household/income details and payment-plan question. Do not ignore a bill while waiting; ask about assistance and payment plans early.
Need interpreter help Interpreting Services: 202-877-2100 Preferred language and appointment/inpatient details. Do not rely on children or family for complex medical interpretation.
Parking question Parking Office: 202-877-7275 Garage, appointment location, long-term visit or discharge validation question. Do not arrive at the last minute; garages can be busy.

Important phone numbers and what to say first

Use this matrix to avoid being transferred repeatedly.

Department / need Phone Say this first Use it for
Main Hospital 202-877-7000 “Please connect me to…” General routing, main operator and hospital department transfer.
Physician Appointments 202-877-DOCS / 3627 “I need an appointment with…” Scheduling provider visits and specialty routing.
Radiology / Mammography 202-877-XRAY / 9729 “I need radiology scheduling or imaging help.” Imaging, radiology and mammography appointment routing.
Admitting 202-877-7174 “I have an admitting question.” Admission-related routing and paperwork questions.
Birth Certificates 202-877-7310 “I need help with a birth certificate.” Birth certificate questions connected with hospital delivery.
Guest Accommodations 202-877-2300 “I need guest accommodation information.” Family/visitor accommodation questions.
Lost and Found / Security 202-877-6188 “I lost an item / need security help.” Lost items, security routing and safety help.
Pastoral Care 202-877-7138 “I need spiritual care or chaplain support.” Spiritual support and chaplain routing.
Social Work 202-877-6286 “I need social work help for…” Discharge planning, support needs and care coordination questions.

Before you leave home: 5-minute visit planner

This is the repeat-use part of the guide. Patients and visitors can return to it before every appointment, ER visit, records trip or family visit.

Pick your visit type

Visit type Use this route Bring this Call first when…
Emergency symptoms Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room entrance. ID/insurance if available, but do not delay emergency care. Do not wait on a website for dangerous symptoms.
Scheduled appointment Use the entrance/garage listed in appointment instructions. Photo ID, insurance card, referral, medication list and appointment note. The appointment letter does not mention building, floor or garage.
Physicians Office Building Use POB directions and parking guidance. Insurance card, referral and specialist paperwork. Room number or POB North/South is unclear.
Cancer Institute visit Use Washington Cancer Institute entrance/route. Referral, prior imaging/labs if requested and treatment records. You are a new patient or need records transferred.
Medical records Use Medical Records / Health Information Management. Photo ID, signed authorization, date range and exact record type. You need records urgently for continuing care.
Visiting a patient Use main visitor entrance and visitor management check-in. Photo ID, patient name, unit/room if known and visitor badge readiness. Visiting ED, behavioral health, maternity, surgery, hospice or restricted units.

Visitor rules, badges, quiet hours and unit-specific limits

MedStar Washington Hospital Center lists normal visiting hours as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Visitors may be issued a sticker badge with date, time, entrance, destination, photo and QR code; badges should remain visible and visitors should check out when leaving.

Area Listed rule Practical tip
General patients Normal visiting 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; quiet hours 9 p.m.–7 a.m.; maximum two visitors at a time. Bring ID, wear the visitor badge visibly and check out when leaving.
Children Children under 12 are generally not permitted in patient care areas, with some exceptions. Call before bringing children, especially to maternity, ICU or end-of-life visits.
Emergency Department 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; one visitor permitted; two may be accommodated depending on space and clinical situation. ED space changes quickly. Follow staff instructions and avoid bringing extra visitors.
Behavioral Health Monday–Friday 6–8 p.m.; weekends/holidays 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Call before visiting because approved visitor and restricted-item rules may apply.
Labor and Delivery 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; quiet hours 9 p.m.–7 a.m.; up to three visitors permitted. Children 12+ may be present in specific sibling-related situations and should be supervised.
Mother/Baby 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; quiet hours 9 p.m.–7 a.m.; children under 12 may be permitted if accompanied but may not stay overnight. Ask the nurse before bringing children or planning overnight arrangements.
Surgery and post-surgical areas 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; one visitor permitted in each unit with clinical permission; two may be permitted in some cases. Check with charge nurse/anesthesia team rules before assuming two visitors.
End-of-life hospice Normal visiting 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; more than two visitors may be permitted, subject to safety and space. Call in advance so family can coordinate turns and special visitor needs.
Masking and conduct tip: masks may be optional when visitors have no symptoms, but can be required in certain rooms/areas or when a provider or patient requests masks. The hospital campus is tobacco-free.

Parking, valet, Metro shuttle and entrance decision guide

The official parking page says the campus has two main garages and multiple entrances. It recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early because garages can be busy and walking/routing may take time.

Parking / transportation Official detail Practical user tip
Hospital Parking Garage Open 24 hours every day. Good default for main hospital visits. Still verify your department’s best garage.
Physician Office Garage Open Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–6 p.m. except holidays; visitors can exit anytime using automated pay stations. Useful for POB appointments; know whether appointment is POB North or South.
Garage rates 0–3 hr $5; 3–4 hr $6; 4–5 hr $7; 5–6 hr $8; 6–8 hr $10; 8–24 hr $15; lost ticket $15. For long visits, ask the Parking Office about discount tickets or keycard options.
Valet Main entrance valet Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; not weekends/holidays; debit/credit only. Valet can help patients with mobility needs, but confirm availability before relying on it.
Valet rates 0–2 hr $8; 2–5 hr $10; 5–7 hr $15; 7–24 hr $20; lost ticket $20. Have a card ready; cash may not be accepted for valet.
Discharge courtesy parking Courtesy parking is available to patients on the day of discharge within a 24-hour period. Ask the discharging nursing station for validation before leaving.
Metrobus WMATA Metrobus routes H2, H4 and D6 service the campus. Check WMATA before travel because schedules and service alerts can change.
Free Metro shuttle Wheelchair-accessible shuttles run from Brookland/CUA and Columbia Heights on weekdays; no weekends/holidays. Use Ride Systems app or tracker and select “Washington MedStar.”
🚪 Six common entrances Main, Bus Circle, ER, Cancer Institute, POB, East Building

All except the East Building are described as staffed with hospital representatives.

🔢 Room-number trick Use room format to find the building

Three-digit rooms point to POB South; four-digit rooms point to POB North; number-letter rooms point to the Main Hospital.

Accessibility tip Disability-tag valet support may apply

The additional services page notes disability-tag vehicles are provided valet services at no extra cost beyond standard parking rates.

Patient portal: records, results, appointments and provider messages

The MedStar Health Patient Portal is a free secure portal for tracking health information. MedStar lists access to prescriptions, provider communications, medical records, test results and appointments.

  1. Start at the official portal page.
    Use the official MedStar Patient Portal route, not a lookalike search result.
  2. Choose login or enroll.
    Current users can log in; new users can enroll or request a MedStar Health Patient ID.
  3. Use the portal for routine access.
    Check appointments, test results, prescriptions, provider messages and some medical-record functions.
  4. Use proxy access when needed.
    For a loved one’s information, use MedStar’s proxy access process instead of sharing passwords.
  5. Call portal support if stuck.
    The portal page lists 877-745-5656 for contact support.
Privacy warning: do not share portal passwords, one-time codes, record screenshots, test results or medical messages in comments, social media or third-party forms.

Medical records: request without delay

MedStar says patient healthcare information is confidential and records generally require authorization by the patient or legally authorized representative. For MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Medical Records is listed at 202-877-7181.

  1. Decide the exact record type.
    Examples: discharge summary, ER notes, imaging report, lab results, operative note, physician report, billing record or full chart.
  2. Pick the correct date range.
    A narrow date range is usually clearer than asking for “everything.”
  3. Use official authorization.
    Written authorization must be dated and signed by the patient or authorized representative.
  4. Do not email authorizations.
    MedStar Washington’s additional services page says email requests or authorizations are not accepted.
  5. Mail written authorization if needed.
    MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Health Information Management Department, Medical Correspondence Section, 110 Irving St., NW, Room 2A-39, Washington, D.C., 20010.
  6. Use emergency fax only for continuing care.
    For emergency requests for medical information for continuing patient care, the listed fax is 202-877-5496.
  7. Expect processing time.
    MedStar’s general records page says requests take 5 to 10 working business days; a complete copy after discharge may take 30 days if the chart is not complete.
  8. Check the portal first.
    Some health information may be available through the MedStar patient portal.
Special records tip: for outpatient burn treatment, outpatient cardiology, eye clinic, private physician office, radiology films, transplant clinic or Washington Continence Center records, contact the treatment area or department where care was received.

Billing, online payment, financial assistance and payment plans

MedStar’s billing page says users can view and print statements online, pay with card, healthcare spending accounts, Apple Pay, Google Pay or ACH check, set up recurring payment plans, use online chat assistance and submit simple inquiries.

💳 Hospital bill Billing Customer Service: 800-280-9006

Before calling, compare your hospital statement with your insurance Explanation of Benefits. Check patient name, date of service, balance, deductible, copay, coinsurance and insurance adjustment.

🤝 Financial aid Call 844-817-6087 or 410-933-4966

Use these numbers for hospital bill questions, rights and obligations, financial assistance application copies, free/reduced-cost care questions and payment-plan setup.

Money issue Best route Ask this exact question
I need to pay online MedStar online bill pay “Does this bill match my latest statement and insurance EOB?”
I cannot pay in full Financial assistance / billing support “Can I apply for financial assistance or set up a periodic payment plan?”
The amount looks wrong Billing customer service “Has my insurance processed this claim and were adjustments applied?”
I need a cost estimate Billing/insurance or price transparency route “What is the likely out-of-pocket cost after my plan, deductible and authorization?”

Support services many patients miss

These services are practical for visitors, disabled patients, non-English-speaking patients, families, discharge planning and safety concerns.

🌐 Interpreters 24/7 language support

Medically qualified interpreters are available through in-person, telephone or video services. Outpatient interpreter scheduling uses SpanishWHC@MedStar.net or ASLWHC@MedStar.net.

Disability support Ask before admission or appointment

Support includes sign language interpreters, closed-captioned TVs, TTY/TDD devices, amplified handsets, assistive listening devices and other communication tools.

🙏 Spiritual care Pastoral Care: 202-877-7138

A chaplain is available 24 hours a day for spiritual and emotional support on request.

🏠 Home health 1-800-862-2166

MedStar Home Care can help with transition from hospital to home in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.

🧭 Social work 202-877-6286

Use for discharge planning, care coordination and support-resource questions.

🛡️ Safety concern 202-877-4YOU / 4968

If your physician, nurse or care team cannot resolve a quality or safety concern, the patient advocate route is listed.

Major services and when this hospital may appear in your search

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is described by MedStar as a 912-bed academic and research center, the largest and busiest hospital in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, and a referral center for complex conditions including trauma, burn care, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and neurosurgery.

🚑 Trauma / emergency Level I trauma context

Use 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency department routing, call the main hospital line.

🔥 Adult burn care Regionally important service

MedStar describes the hospital as offering the region’s only adult Burn Center.

❤️ Heart and vascular Cardiology and heart surgery reputation

Use appointment routing for heart/vascular specialist scheduling and confirm insurance coverage.

🧠 Stroke / neurosciences Comprehensive stroke context

For stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for an online guide.

🎗️ Cancer care Washington Cancer Institute route

Use appointment instructions and entrance guidance carefully; cancer care may have specific parking/building directions.

🩻 Radiology 202-877-XRAY / 9729

Use for radiology and mammography scheduling/routing questions.

Screenshot slots to make the guide more useful

Replace these placeholders with your own screenshots from official pages. Good screenshots reduce confusion and make the post more useful than a plain article.

Screenshot 1
Contact numbers page
Best use: phone numbers for appointments, billing, medical records, parking, patient information and complaints.
Screenshot 2
Parking and entrances
Best use: garage hours, parking rates, valet, entrance choice and 30-minute arrival buffer.
Screenshot 3
Visitor information
Best use: visiting hours, badge system, child rules, masking policy and unit-specific visitor limits.

How to judge reviews, quality and patient concerns safely

Reviews can help with parking, check-in, communication and billing expectations, but they should not replace emergency judgment, physician advice or official hospital quality information.

  • For emergency symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
  • For appointment decisions, verify provider, specialty, location, insurance and referral requirements.
  • For billing complaints, compare your hospital statement with your insurance EOB before calling.
  • For safety or care concerns, start with your physician, head nurse or care team; if unresolved, use the patient advocate route.
  • For visitor concerns, check unit rules first because ED, behavioral health, maternity, surgery and hospice may differ.

Official sources used for this guide

This page is independent, but it is based on official MedStar pages. Always confirm current details before sharing private information, paying a bill, submitting records forms or visiting restricted units.

Official source Used for
MedStar Washington Hospital Center location page Hospital address, main phone, services overview and hospital identity.
Contact Us Main hospital, appointments, billing, medical records, parking, social work, pastoral care, patient information and department phone numbers.
Patient & Visitor Information Visitor management, badge system, general visiting hours, quiet hours, child rules, masking note and unit-specific visiting policies.
Parking & Location Information Garage hours, parking rates, valet rates, discharge courtesy parking, entrance list, room-number tips, Metrobus and shuttle details.
MedStar Patient Portal Portal login/enrollment, prescriptions, provider messages, records, test results, appointments, proxy access and support phone.
Medical Records Authorization, release forms, processing timeline and confidentiality rules.
Additional Support Services Interpreter support, disability resources, spiritual care, home health, records mailing address, emergency fax and patient advocate route.
Billing and Online Bill Pay Online bill payment, statement access, payment options, recurring plans and online assistance.
Financial Assistance Policy Financial assistance and payment-plan contact numbers.

Last manual check: June 24, 2026. This guide is independent and informational only. Hospital phone routing, parking rates, visitor policies, portal pages and billing vendors can change.

FAQs

Where is MedStar Washington Hospital Center located?

The hospital is located at 110 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010.

What is the main hospital phone number?

The main hospital telephone number is 202-877-7000.

How do I schedule a physician appointment?

Call 202-877-DOCS / 202-877-3627 for physician appointments.

What are general visiting hours?

Normal visiting hours are listed as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Some units have special rules.

How many visitors can a patient have?

The hospital lists a maximum of two visitors at one time for each patient, with exceptions for support persons, clergy and clinical circumstances.

Are children allowed to visit?

Children under 12 are generally not permitted in patient care areas, with some exceptions. Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult who is not the patient.

How do I contact Medical Records?

Medical Records is listed at 202-877-7181. Written authorization is required for records release in most cases.

Can I email my medical records authorization?

No. The MedStar Washington Hospital Center additional services page says email requests or authorizations will not be accepted.

Who do I call for hospital billing?

Hospital Billing Customer Service is listed at 800-280-9006.

Who do I call for financial assistance?

MedStar’s financial assistance policy lists 844-817-6087 and 410-933-4966.

Is there a patient portal?

Yes. The MedStar Health Patient Portal can be used for prescriptions, provider communications, medical records, test results and appointments.

Is parking available?

Yes. The Hospital Parking Garage is open 24 hours daily. The Physician Office Garage is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. except holidays, with exit available through automated pay stations.

Does the hospital have a free Metro shuttle?

Yes. MedStar provides free wheelchair-accessible shuttles from Brookland/CUA and Columbia Heights stations on weekdays. They do not operate on weekends or holidays.

Does this page include VideoObject schema?

No. A video is embedded only as visual context. VideoObject schema is not included because a verified uploadDate was not confirmed.

Is this page official MedStar support?

No. This is an independent guide. It cannot access patient records, schedule appointments, unlock portal accounts, pay bills, contact doctors or provide emergency medical advice.