New Emergency department enables easier access to treatment when every minute counts
On December 10 at 7 a.m., MedStar Health opened a new Emergency department (ER) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, enhancing our ability to deliver life-saving care for patients with the most complex injuries and illnesses. The state-of-the-art ER allows our world-class team of emergency physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and other staff to provide the same exceptional care our patients and community trust, now in a world-class environment.
Nearly doubling in size from 14,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet, the expansive Emergency department is designed to be a more accessible, comfortable, and efficient community resource.
A look inside our new ER
A calming environment in a medical emergency
Situated on the ground floor of our newly constructed Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown, our new ER features:
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32 private exam rooms to strengthen infection control and create a safe, healing environment.
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Easier access to triage and treatment, with separate entrances for patients arriving by ambulance and a rooftop helipad that provides immediate and direct access to the ER.
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Spacious and modern waiting areas filled with natural light, comfortable furnishings.
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Universal treatment spaces designed to care for patients of all ages with any condition, with rooms that can convert to isolation rooms in the event of an infectious disease outbreak and others that can transform into safe environments for mental health emergencies.
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A “fast track” area where providers can more efficiently begin treating less serious conditions.
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A new imaging center conveniently located near the ER to better facilitate emergent needs.
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Deeper integration of technology and advanced equipment, with embedded radiology equipment and bedside use of other portable and compact medical equipment.
Emergency medicine services
Our emergency medicine team cares for patients of all ages with complex and traumatic injuries and illnesses. From surgical complications and sepsis to broken bones and strokes, our experts are highly trained to address any sudden and unexpected health concern.
Stroke care
Every minute counts when diagnosing and treating strokes, so rapid response is critical to reducing the risk of permanent brain damage or death. As part of MedStar Georgetown’s Comprehensive Stroke Center team, our emergency medicine doctors are trained to deliver exceptional stroke care around the clock. When a patient arrives at the ER with a suspected stroke, our team activates the stroke response team, which involves the expertise of stroke neurologists, neuro-interventional radiologists, cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, and other specialists working together to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes.
Planning your visit to our ER at MedStar Georgetown
Our location
Our expanded ER is on the ground floor of the new Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown. We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Arrival and parking
Garage parking: Follow the signs on Reservoir Road to the ER. Patients can be dropped off at the Verstandig Pavilion through Entrance 1. Those driving will proceed around the roundabout and veer to the right to enter the patient and visitor Parking 1 garage. There are three levels of underground parking below the new Emergency department. Remember to validate your parking ticket before paying. Parking tickets can be paid at our pay-on-foot machines in the garage using your credit card, debit card, or cash.
Ambulance: Patients arriving by ambulance will be dropped off at the back of the ER through a separate entrance.
Helicopter: Patients arriving via helicopter will land on the new helipad atop the Pavilion for direct and rapid transport into the Emergency department or operating rooms below.
Accessibility
We provide a range of free accessibility services to ensure equal access for all patients and visitors. Wheelchairs are available for patient use and can be found at the entrance to the Verstandig Pavilion. We encourage patients to bring someone to push a wheelchair. Valet service and limited wheelchair assistance is available via the Parking 2 garage.
Our physicians
Our emergency medicine physicians are specialty-trained and board-certified or board-eligible, meeting the highest professional standards within their specialty. In addition, many of our ER physicians at MedStar Georgetown are invested in training the future generation of emergency medicine doctors through our exceptional residency program.
What to expect in the Emergency department
Once parked, you’ll enter the Emergency department through the main lobby, where you can proceed to registration and the main waiting area. After registering, you’ll be seated in our comfortable and spacious waiting room until it’s your turn to be evaluated by our nurses and staff in one of our triage rooms.
We work hard to see patients as quickly as possible, but please know priority must be given to those with life-threatening conditions as we see patients based on severity. As a result, your ER visit can be unpredictable because it fluctuates based on how many people are in the ER and the severity of each individual’s illness or injury.
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans, including most Medicare and Medicaid plans. Please contact your insurance company to verify your coverage.
Visitors
Our new ER was designed to be a calming, comfortable space for both patients and their loved ones.
Wi-Fi
Patients and guests can access free Wi-Fi by selecting “MedStarGuest” in their mobile device settings. When prompted, please accept the Acceptable Use Policy to connect.