MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is dedicated to cultivating a patient-centric approach within a clinically sound and nurturing setting. Our unwavering commitment extends to treating patients, families, and visitors with utmost respect. Rest assured, we are devoted to ensuring your utmost comfort throughout your stay with us.
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Visitor information
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Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct
MedStar Health is committed to providing high-quality care to our patients and communities in a safe and respectful environment that supports health and healing. To ensure our hospitals and care locations are safe, caring, and inclusive, we ask that our patients and visitors adhere to our Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct detailed here .
If our Code of Conduct guidelines are not followed, patients may be asked to leave and make other plans for their non-emergency care. Visitors may be asked to leave and could be restricted from future visitation.
Every day, our providers, nurses, and associates are committed to providing the highest levels of care to our patients. Please show them the respect they deserve and that you expect as a patient or visitor. Thank you for joining us in our commitment to ensuring a safe, caring, and inclusive environment for us all.
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Security/Check-in
Whether you are visiting a friend, coming for a doctor's appointment, having some tests, or being admitted as a patient, we want you to be comfortable at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Please review the following information before your visit.
When you arrive at our hospital, please check in at the front desk to receive a visitor's pass. Please wear your pass throughout your visit. You will be given a new visitor's pass each day. Each patient may have up to two (2)* visitors at a time. A patient’s designated primary support person (PSP) does not have to adhere to the standard visitation hours and is welcome to be with the patient at any time, but please note they are included in the visitor count. So, for example, if a patient is allowed up to two (2) visitors at a time, and if his or her support person is present, then only one (1) visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two (2) visitors will be permitted. For the safety of our patients, their families, and other visitors, please do not visit if you have a cough, cold, or another communicable disease.
The hospital asks all visitors to help maintain a quiet environment for the welfare of our patients. MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center reserves the right to limit visitors or visiting hours in the best interests of our patients, visitors, and staff.
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Masking Policy
Face masks are optional for patients and visitors who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or other viruses (cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc). However, masks may be required in certain areas/rooms in the hospital.
A medical provider or patient may request that masks be worn in a patient’s room or treatment area. These requests should be respected and honored.
Face masks are available onsite for patients and visitors.
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Tobacco Free Policy
As part of our vision to be the trusted leader in caring for people and advancing health, all MedStar Health facilities are tobacco-free. Smoking and the use of any tobacco products in or around our facilities is strictly prohibited. We appreciate your consideration and cooperation.
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COVID-19 Patient and Those Being Tested for COVID-19
- One visitor at a time per patient.
- Exceptions to visitors outside this timeframe are authorized by the nurse supervisor or the care team.
- Visitors must don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by hospital staff, including procedure mask, isolation gown, goggles or face shield (eye protection), and gloves; and must not be ill or show symptoms of illness.
Visitor Hours and Details by Department
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Outpatient Physician Offices
- Outpatients may have two (2) visitors accompany them to their appointment.
- There is no age restriction for visitors to outpatient areas; however, children under 12 years of age must be supervised by an adult visitor (not the patient) at all times.
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Critical Care Unit
- Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
- Only two (2) visitors at a time may be in a patient’s room.
- If the patient has a support person present, then only one visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two visitors will be permitted.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
- Children under 14 are not permitted to visit*
*Children under the age of 14 may be permitted under special circumstances such as end of life. Any children visiting must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
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Emergency Department
- There are no time restrictions for visitors in the emergency department.
- No children under the age of 14 unless approved in advance by the leader and/or designee.
- Any children visiting must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Patients may have up to two (2) visitors at a time, except for certain circumstances, as outlined by the hospital’s visitation policy. If the patient has a support person present, then only one (1) visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two (2) visitors will be permitted.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
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Outpatient Procedures, Treatments, Services
- No children under the age of 14 unless approved in advance by the leader and/or designee.
- Any children visiting must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Only two (2) visitors at a time may be with the patient.
- If the patient has a support person present, then only one (1) visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two (2) visitors will be permitted.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
- No children under the age of 14 unless approved in advance by the leader and/or designee.
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Inpatient
General visitation guidelines
- General visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
- Please note that certain units, such as behavioral health, the emergency department, and labor and delivery, may have different hours.
- No children under the age of 14 unless approved in advance by the charge nurse.
- Any children visiting must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Patients may have up to two (2) visitors at a time, except for certain circumstances, as outlines by the hospital’s visitation policy. If the patient has a support person present, then only one (1) visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two (2) visitors will be permitted.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
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 in critical condition or at end of life
- Patients going to, or returning from, surgery outside of normal visiting hours
- General visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
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Behavioral Health
- Two (2) visitors per patient.
- Visiting hours are 6 to 7 p.m., seven (7) days a week, 2 to 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays
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Maternal and Newborn Units
Labor and Delivery
- There are no time restrictions for visitors in labor and delivery.
- No children under 14 permitted.
- After delivery, siblings of the new baby are permitted to visit.
- Children must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
- Significant other/support person and two other visitors may stay to support patient until delivery.
- After delivery, visitors must adhere to Mom/Baby Unit visitation hours.
Postpartum (Mother/Baby)
- Visitation hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
- There are no time restrictions for the significant other/support person.
- No children under the age of 14 are allowed to visit unless they are siblings of the new baby.
- Children must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
- Two (2) visitors and one support person may be in the mother’s room at a time.
- Children are included in the visitor count.
Special Care Nursery (SCN)
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No time restrictions for banded visitors except between 6:45 to 7:30 a.m./p.m.
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No children are permitted to visit.
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Up to two visitors at a time, and at least one must be a banded visitor.
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Non-banded visitors may visit between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Surgery and Post-Surgical Areas
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No children under the age of 14 unless approved in advance by the charge nurse.
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Any children visiting must always be accompanied by an adult other than the patient.
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Patients may have up to two (2) visitors at a time. If the patient has a support person present, then only one (1) visitor will be permitted. If the patient does not have a support person present, then two (2) visitors will be permitted.
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Children are included in the visitor count.
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Support persons for patients with disabilities
MedStar Health is committed to protecting patient rights for visitation and ensuring accommodations for patients with disabilities while providing a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff in accordance with MedStar Health’s Patient & Visitor Code of Conduct.
Our Support Persons for Patients with Disabilities policy is available here.
Medical information
Medical records
A patient may request a copy of his/her medical record by a written request. The written request must contain the following information:
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Patient's Name
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Date of Birth
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Social Security Number
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Dates of Service
If someone else is picking up the records for the patient, their name must appear on the request. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Authorization forms are available in the Health Information department.
A patient's family member (parent/legal guardian) may request copies of medical records if a patient is a minor or incapacitated. Parent/Guardian must have the written permission of the patient to release copies of the record, or have the patient's power of attorney. The name of the family member must be documented on the request.
Power of attorney
If the patient is deceased and if there is no one with the power of attorney or no one has been appointed executor of the estate, family members need to contact the Register of Wills in the county they live to open an estate for the purpose of obtaining medical records. Proof of Power of Attorney or Executive of Estate must be presented.
For Prince George's County, the number is 301-952-3250. For Charles County, the number is 301-932-3345.
Requests for medical records
All requests for medical information are to be made to the Medical Records window at the Cashier's Office located on the first floor of the hospital (across from the hospital Gift Shop).
If requesting records by mail, please use the following address:
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Road
Clinton, MD 20735
Attn: Medical Records Request—Cashier's Office
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 301-877-4524
How long will it take to obtain copies of my medical records?
It takes 5 to 10 working business days to process the request. If the patient has just been discharged from the hospital, the request will be processed once the chart is complete. This may take 30 days if requesting a complete copy.
Protecting your confidential medical information
As a patient of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, you have a right to confidentiality. We strive to continuously ensure that your personal health information is kept private.
Here are some ways MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is maintaining the confidentiality of our patients’ information:
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Medical records are secured on the nursing floors and in the Health Information department. Only members of your healthcare team are permitted access to your information.
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Paper information with personal information is shredded before disposal.
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Access to computers with patient information is password protected.
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Computer screens are angled so only the person with a need for access sees patient information.
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Computer screens are programmed to go "blank" after a certain time if not in use.
Insurance and billing
We are contracted with most of the major insurances in this area. However, some insurances require different services be performed at their own facilities, or contracted vendors. We strongly urge you to contact your insurance carrier (HMO, PPO, MCO, etc.) to verify they will cover the services you need to have.
Billing summary
You will receive a summary of your charges within 30 days of your discharge. This summary will also give you additional information, such as what insurance we are billing, and what other providers may be billing you. If you require an itemized billing, please call 301-877-4262 and we will be more than happy to supply you with a listing of itemized charges.
If you believe the charges on your bill are incorrect or you have any concerns regarding your bill, please call 301-877-4262. We would be delighted to answer any questions you might have about your bill.
Cost for treatment
Hospitals in the state of Maryland have their charges regulated by the Health Services Cost Review Commission. In 1971, the Maryland legislature created this agency to set the rates that Maryland hospitals may charge. In turn, regardless of whether you are an insurance company or private pay patient, you will pay the same rates. We cannot negotiate our charges.
We are here to help
We have a team of account specialists who are willing to help and assist you with your questions regarding insurance, billing, and payment plans. Call 301-877-4262,
Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to reach them.