Community Services | MedStar Washington Hospital Center | MedStar Health

Browse this page

Under District of Columbia law, MedStar Washington Hospital Center has an important obligation to make its services available to all people in the community. MedStar Washington Hospital Center does not discriminate against a patient for services because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, physical handicap, source of income, place of residence or business, or because a patient or applicant for services is covered by a program such as Medicare or Medicaid. The Hospital Center is also obligated to provide a reasonable volume of services without charge or at a reduced charge to persons unable to pay.

If you believe that you have been improperly denied services, contact the hospital's Admissions Department or Business Office, or call the District State Health Planning and Development Agency at 202-442-5875.

Access to Care

In cooperation with the District of Columbia and federal governments, this facility makes its services available to all people in the community.

This facility does not discriminate against a patient because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, matriculation, political affiliation, physical handicap, source of income, place of residence or business, or because a patient is covered by a program such as Medicare or Medicaid.

This facility also provides a reasonable volume of services without charge or at a reduced charge to persons unable to pay. If your yearly gross family income does not exceed the amounts shown in the table below, you probably qualify for assistance.

Family Size*

Scale Income**

1

$8,240

2

$11,060

3

$13,880

4

$16,700

5

$19,520

6

$22,340

7

$25,160

8

$27,980

*Add $2,820 for each additional family member beyond eight. **Based on "The 1999 HHS Poverty Guidelines." These guidelines change periodically.

Aviso Publico del MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Quién Recibe Atención Médica

En cooperación con el gobierno del Distrito de Columbia y los gobiernos federales, este hospital pone sus servicios a disposición de toda la comunidad. Este hospital no discrimina en contra de un paciente debido a su raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, estado civil, matriculación, afiliación política, impedimentos físicos, fuentes de ingresos, lugar de residencia o negocio, o porque un paciente esté amparado por un programa como Medicare o Medicaid. Este hospital también ofrece una cantidad apreciable de servicios en forma gratuita o a precio reducido, para las personas que no pueden pagar.

Usted califica para recibir asistencia, si su ingreso total anual familiar no excede las siguientes cifras:

Número de Miembros en la Familia*

Ingreso Familiar Anual**

1

$8,240

2

$11,060

3

$13,880

4

$16,700

5

$19,520

6

$22,340

7

$25,160

8

$27,980

*Añadir $2,820 por cada persona adicional si la familia tiene más de ocho miembros **Basado en "Las Guías de Consulta 1999 de la Pobreza de HHS." Estas guías de consulta cambian periódicamente.

Usted puede solicitar un formulario de asistencia en la oficina de Servicios Financieros del Paciente.

Llamar al teléfono 202-877-7174 (marque 1-4-1) para hablar con un consejero financiero. Se determinara si usted es elegible al cabo de dos días hábiles, después de que usted presente su formulario debidamente lleno.

Si usted cree que se le han negado servicios indebidamente, por favor póngase en contacto con la directora de la Oficina de Registro de Pacientes del MedStar Washington Hospital Center al teléfono 202-877-6107, o llame al District of Columbia State Health Planning and Development Agency al teléfono 202-727-0744.

Community health

A diverse group of older adults outdoors under a tree.

Partnering with our communities to improve health Community Health is dedicated to improving the health of our communities through partnerships, and the delivery of accessible care, evidence-based education and wellness services. Classes and services are designed to provide information and resources for informed health decisions.

Community Health Publications

MedStar Washington Hospital Center releases a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years, along with an annual Report to the Community.

Community Health Programs

MedStar Washington Hospital Center works with several partners to address the health of community members and bring resources to those in need. Community Health provides several programs to address identified health priorities, including management of chronic disease.

Have further questions? Please contact WHCCommunityHealth@medstar.net.

Community Health Needs Assessment

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is proud to release its FY19 – FY21 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and implementation strategy. The CHNA uses a community-driven approach that supports the hospital in planning and carrying out community-based programming to more effectively handle the health needs of underserved and vulnerable populations. The three-year plan details the hospital’s community benefit service areas, the identified health priorities and programs with measurable outcomes.

Report to the Community

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is committed to promoting the good health of residents of our communities, especially those who face barriers to accessing quality health care. Our professionals work to improve the health of our communities in numerous ways that include: hosting free screenings and providing related educational information, facilitating support groups, educating the community on important health topics, partnering with local schools to provide education for pregnant and/or parenting teens, among other programs. Check out some of our community health and outreach highlights below.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s 340B Program

Congress created the 340B drug savings program to help those hospitals serving vulnerable communities expand access to prescription drugs and support essential services for their communities. The savings generated from the 340B drug discount program are used by MedStar Washington Hospital Center to help keep pace with the rapidly rising costs of prescription drugs, as well as to offer additional needed services to our community such as the ones described below.

Access to Care for Vulnerable Populations

MedStar Washington Hospital Center recognizes the importance of early detection for cancer and has programs available for those who may not be able to afford these lifesaving screenings on their own. MedStar Washington Hospital Center also provides pathways for financial assistance for individuals who are unable to afford their treatment services and provides innovative approaches to support District of Columbia health goals.

  • Colorectal Cancer Prevention in the Neighborhood provides hospital community navigators who educate residents in Wards 5, 7 and 8 about the importance of colorectal health and offers at no cost Fecal Occult Blood Test kits (FOBT) and/or assists individuals to colonoscopy appointments.
  • Get2 Breast Care Program shares breast health education with residents in Wards 5, 7 and 8, by utilizing community navigators to coordinate educational programs and screenings events. The program dispels myths about breast cancer risks, provides early detection services and breast cancer education, and navigation assistance to women who need mammograms.
  • Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting (TAPP) since 1999, TAPP has helped thousands of young women avoid additional pregnancies, as the District has the nation’s highest number of pregnant teens. The program also promotes the overall well-being of these young women. TAPP is offered to women 21 years old and younger, at several locations across the city including the hospital’s Women’s Community Health Practice and the school-based health centers at D.C.’s Roosevelt and Anacostia High Schools. A midwife is on duty at each school and sees students in tandem with a TAPP social worker.
  • Community Violence Intervention Program provides services to individuals, and their families, who have experienced a life-threatening intentional injury. The program engages with victims and their families while they are in the hospital recovering to create a support system that can lead to long-term change. Team members connect program participants with government and community-based services to promote healing, reduce revictimization, and prevent future violence.

  • Patient Financial Services provides financial assistance to uninsured patients who reside within the communities MedStar Washington Hospital Center serves by assisting with enrollment in publicly-funded entitlement programs, refer patients to State or Federal Insurance Exchange Navigator resources and assist with consideration of funding that may be available from other charitable organizations

Health and Wellness

MedStar Washington Hospital Center outreach teams offer classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. MedStar Washington Hospital Center also recognizes that at-risk, high-needs individuals living in our communities need access to trauma, chronic disease management, screenings and prevention education.

  • Bedside Rx Delivery Service is a free service to eliminate barriers such as transportation, to help patients take prescribed medications as instructed, to improve health outcomes and avoid readmission.

  • The Trauma Prevention and Outreach program extends well into the community, partnering with many local, state and federal agencies, providing education on concussion, alcohol and youth violence prevention, domestic violence and crime victim assistance and medical/legal needs assistance. Most recently, providing Stop the Bleed a national awareness campaign and call-to-action workshops. Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

  • Healthcare Equity Task Force has initiated programs to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for LGBTQIA patients. Staff training on sexual and gender identity is helping to normalize conversations about these issues, and medical records will soon allow patients to note their preferences. The hospital participated in D.C.’s 2018 Pride Parade and plans to participate in other community events by providing HIV testing and safe sex education.
  • The Living Well Self-Management Programs in partnership with DC Health Department, offers evidence based six-week workshops for adults who have long lasting health problems with ideas to help them take charge of their health and live active and enjoyable lives. Family members and caregivers are also welcome.
  • Ask a Healthcare Professional Initiative hospital physicians and allied health professionals are committed to sharing their knowledge on various topics with members of the community to improve their health. Community Health works to arrange opportunities for our professionals to speak at community partners in Washington DC Wards 5, 7 and 8. Each year, more than 500 community members participated in the initiative.
  • Emergency Department SBIRT is a program for screening and identification of substance use disorder, with an ultimate goal of providing referrals for substance abuse treatment. Peer Recovery Coaches provide brief intervention and referrals to community support services and treatment centers.

Social Determinants of Health

MedStar Washington Hospital Center invests in programs and partnerships that address the social needs of patients and community members.

  • Training Physicians in the Community MedStar Health is invested in training future physicians, nurses and other clinical leaders, and equipping them with training opportunities that provide exposure to the diverse needs of the populations they will care for. Each year, 12 resident physicians at MedStar Washington Hospital Center rotate through Bread for the City’s clinic to learn about how social determinants of health play a role in the overall wellness of the patient and impact the care and services patients need.

  • Food Insecurity During Prenatal Care all pregnant women receive a comprehensive screening for food security during prenatal a care. Women who screen positive receive assistance completing WIC applications and are eligible for support from our partnership with Giant Food. We also serve dinner after Centering pregnancy, our group prenatal care program.
  • Transportation in partnership with Uber, MedStar Health has created a convenient ride option program with a reliable means of transportation for vulnerable patients to medical appointments and health education activities.

Access to Specialized Care

  • The Burn Center is the only adult burn center in the Washington Metropolitan Area, treating more than 400 inpatients and 300 outpatients each year.
  • MedSTAR Trauma Center is a regional referral center for critical illness and injury and is designated as a Level 1 center, treating more than 55,000 patients annually.