Healthcare Services Find a Doctor Locations Patient Portal Research & Education menu MedStar Health Locations MedStar Washington Hospital Center MedStar Washington Hospital Center MedStar Washington Hospital Center 110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010 To learn more about parking and this location’s information, click here. 3874.39 miles away Change Location Get Directions 202-877-7000 Find a Doctor Request an Appointment Browse this page Welcome Visiting Insurance Our Services Providers Classes & Events Related Hospital News Blogs Helpful Links Medical Education 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 330 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 2017, our nursing department earned Pathway to Excellence Designation®. 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. Map Satellite Get Directions Parking information 202-877-7000 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. View More 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. View More Insurance MedStar Health participates with most major health insurance plans. Please contact your insurance company to make sure your plan is covered. Our services Bariatric Surgery Cancer Care Ear, Nose, and Throat Endocrinology Heart and Vascular Neurosciences Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthopedic Radiology Trauma and Emergency Care Urology Women’s Health Meet our providers Our physicians offer the community expert medical care through advanced technologies, treatments, research, clinical trials, and more. View Our Providers Classes and events The Trauma Survivors Support Group Wednesday, December, 08 2021 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Trauma Survivors Support Group Wednesday, January, 12 2022 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. View All Classes and Events Related hospital news September 14, 2021 MedStar Health FDA Approved Treatment for Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation July 27, 2021 MedStar Washington Hospital Center Again Named Among Nation’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care All MedStar Health News Blog posts from our center Previous 1 / 2 Next Uterine Fibroid Embolization Stops Uncomfortable Symptoms at the Source. Most women have uterine fibroids—non-cancerous, hormone-driven growths that form on the uterine walls. In fact, more than 70% of white women and 80% of black women will develop fibroids by age 49. Fibroids can range in size from very small to very large and result in a variety of symptoms based on their size and location. Women often start developing fibroids in their 30s or 40s, and growth can continue through menopause. More than half of patients with fibroids experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms such as: Abdominal bloating Constipation Dyspareunia (inability to orgasm) Pain during sex Pelvic pain and pressure Urinary frequency Very heavy periods These changes aren’t a “fact of life” that women should have to deal with as we age. Effective treatments such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) help by stopping fibroid discomfort at the source. Through a small incision in your wrist, an interventional radiologist is able to stop blood flow to the fibroid and reduce symptoms as the fibroid shrinks and fades away. Over the past few decades, advances in minimally invasive artery embolization have transformed UFE into a safer, more effective outpatient procedure with a quick recovery—most patients are fully recovered within two weeks. Uterine #fibroids aren’t a ‘fact of life.’ Even small #uterinefibroids can cause heavy periods, bloating, and pain during sex. – Nora Tabori, MD: https://bit.ly/37ZpAyK. Click to Tweet What to expect from the UFE procedure. When you get UFE at the Fibroid Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, you benefit from the expertise of both a gynecologist and an interventional radiologist – at most centers, you’ll see just one or the other. Our team meets regularly to find the best treatment option for complex cases, such as patients with multiple health issues or very big fibroids. You will be placed under twilight anesthesia, which makes you relaxed but still able to respond to the doctor. We will sterilize the skin on either your left wrist or your groin at the hip joint and cover you with a drape. You’ll feel a small prick, which will be an injection medication to numb the skin. The interventional radiologist will then make a small needle puncture in your wrist or groin to access the artery. Through the puncture, the doctor will insert a catheter, which is a thin tube. Using live image guidance, we will direct the catheter through the blood vessels of your arm or leg, down to the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. From there, we will use the catheter to place small, body-safe beads into the arteries supplying the fibroids, which blocks the blood flow. Over the next few days, the fibroid tissue will start to shrink and wither away. The last step is to place a small dressing at the artery puncture on your groin or your wrist. The entire procedure usually takes an hour or less, even when treating one large or many small fibroids. You can get up and walk as soon as you fully come out of the twilight sedation, which takes about 30-60 minutes. As you wait, you’ll get a light snack and some pain medication, then you’ll be ready to go home. Even if you feel fully awake, we require all patients to have a ride home from the hospital. FAQs about uterine artery embolization. Do I have to get my fibroids removed? No. If your fibroids don’t impact your quality of life, you don’t have to do anything about them. Leaving fibroids alone is generally safe until they grow large or numerous enough to cause disruptive symptoms. Will the fibroid get infected if you don’t remove it? No. This myth came about because of the old way of embolizing fibroids, which went out of practice decades ago. We used to try to kill the actual fibroid cells; cell death results in prolonged healing and increased susceptibility infection. Modern UFE starves and shrinks fibroid tissue, which turns to dormant scar tissue. There is less risk of infection because far less, if any, as the scar tissue is sterile and retains the function of the body’s immune system. In our practice, we perform more than 100 UFE surgeries a year, and none of our patients have had an infection caused by fibroid scar tissue. Will I be able to become pregnant after UFE? Yes. We recommend waiting at least 12 months to make sure normal blood flow to the uterus is restored because UFE slightly alters the blood supply to the uterus. Over the next year, your body will rebuild those blood vessels to feed the remaining healthy uterine tissue. We’ve had patients who became pregnant a few months after UFE and had healthy babies. However, waiting is the safest choice. Having UFE does not limit your birth control choices. You can use whatever contraceptive you’d like, including an intrauterine device (IUD). Is recovery from UFE painful? Pain in recovery is typically mild. For the first two days after the procedure, you may experience cramps that feel a little stronger than period cramping. Most patients can manage this side effect with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. You may also have these symptoms, which typically go away within a week: Slight pelvic pain Pelvic fullness Low-grade fever Slight loss of appetite Mild fatigue By seven days post-procedure, most women are back to their regular activities: Working, resuming intercourse, running a marathon, doing CrossFit, you name it! After UFE treatment, countless patients have told me, “I wish I’d done this years ago.” Uterine fibroids rarely grow back after embolization. However, new fibroids may grow over time. If you want a more permanent treatment, options are available. Other treatment options besides UFE. Your MedStar Health gynecologist and interventional radiologist will discuss all your fibroid treatment options so you can make an informed decision. You know your body and future plans better than anyone, and our specialists want you to be happy with your choice. Surgical options. Myomectomy: Removing the fibroids from your uterus. Myomectomy may be done through open or minimally invasive surgery and spares fertility. Endometrial ablation: Applying targeted heat to the uterine lining to reduce heavy bleeding during your period. This outpatient option does not remove or shrink fibroids. Endometrial ablation greatly reduces your ability to become pregnant. Hysterectomy: Removing your uterus through open or minimally invasive surgery. After a hysterectomy, you will not have periods anymore and you will not be able to become pregnant. Non-surgical options to manage symptoms. Pregnancy is possible after these treatments: Sonata Treatment: This ultrasound treatment locates and targets individual fibroids. Using radiofrequency energy, we shrink the fibroids from inside the uterus with no incisions. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication can help you manage cramping or pain. Hormone therapy: Estrogen and progestin medications such as birth control pills or an IUD may help shrink fibroids. Ulipristal acetate, which is used in the “morning-after pill” may also help shrink fibroids. Exercise and eating well: While neither of these will change the size of your fibroids, moving more and eating a healthy diet can help you feel more energetic, maintain a healthy weight and hormone levels, and improve your mood—all important factors in managing a painful condition such as fibroids. Complementary medicine: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing are known to reduce pain. Doing yoga or tai chi may help alleviate fibroid pain that affects the lower back. Uterine fibroid symptoms range from annoying to nearly debilitating. You have options to improve your quality of life—the treatment you choose is based on the severity of your symptoms and your desire for future pregnancies. Whether you need a diagnosis or you already know which treatment you want, MedStar Health can provide you with the option that best meets your needs. Are you ready to live fibroid-free? Say goodbye to pelvic pain, bloating, and doubling up on pads. Request a visit with a MedStar Health uterine fibroid expert today. Call 202-877-DOCS (3627) or Request an Appointment How to Protect Kids From COVID-19 at School. Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine, local schools are inviting teachers and students back to the classroom for the upcoming school year. While many families and kids anxiously await the return to normalcy, the highly-contagious Delta variant reminds us that the pandemic is still not over. With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, it’s important to remain vigilant in keeping kids healthy as they go back to school. Vaccination is the best way to protect kids from COVID-19 at school. If your child is headed back to the classroom, you may be worried about your child contracting the virus. As COVID-19 cases surge across the country, vaccination is as important as ever, especially for kids who will be in close contact with their peers at school in the fall. With 93 percent of all new COVID-19 cases in the United States caused by the Delta variant, coronavirus is still permeating our communities, vaccinated or not. While pediatric hospitalizations remain low, the Delta variant seems to affect children more than the COVID-19 virus we battled last summer. You may not have control over whether or not the virus spreads to your child. But, if your child is vaccinated, they’re far less likely to become severely ill or hospitalized. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for everyone above the age of 12. Unvaccinated kids are at a greater risk of developing serious symptoms if they become infected with COVID-19. This is especially true for kids with a chronic illness, such as asthma, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia. If your child is over the age of 12 and still unvaccinated, it’s not too late. To be considered fully vaccinated, your child will need two doses of the Pfizer vaccine over a period of 21 days. While eligible children should ideally get vaccinated before the school year begins, getting the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible will ensure some protection as they await the second dose. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given alongside other childhood vaccines. Schools have always had health prerequisites for childhood vaccines to keep everyone safe, and the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. While initial vaccine recommendations suggested that people wait two weeks after getting other vaccines before getting vaccinated for COVID-19, you no longer need to wait. As your child is getting other required vaccines in anticipation of school, they can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine, if they’re 12 or older. Most MedStar Health primary care and pediatric offices offer the COVID-19 vaccine. If your doctor’s office isn’t offering the vaccine, they can direct you to a vaccination site nearby. Addressing vaccine hesitancy. As a parent or caregiver of a school-aged child, it’s common to overthink decisions related to your kids. We want the best for our children, and the misinformation around COVID-19 circulating the Internet can cause us to doubt ourselves. If you’re hesitant to vaccinate your child or if you come across someone who is, the following tips can encourage an informed decision. Review the data. While the COVID-19 vaccines have been labeled for emergency use, they’re not “experimental”, as some might think. Researchers have been studying and investing in mRNA technology for years. And, the COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and evaluated for safety and efficacy. You can read Pfizer’s published reports on their clinical trials and the CDC continues to provide the most up-to-date information on their website. Get the facts on side effects. Experts agree that the risk of illness is more severe than any side effect of vaccination for both adults and kids. Children have robust immune systems and side effects after vaccination indicate that the vaccine is working. Just like the flu shot and other vaccines, children may experience injection site soreness, fatigue, or headaches after getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Tylenol or Motrin can help alleviate discomfort. Although extremely rare, there are instances where the vaccine results in short-term inflammation of the heart, called myocarditis. In these cases, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain may appear within seven days after the second dose. Symptoms typically self-resolve and there are no long-term effects. Talk to your child’s doctor if they experience any side effects that seem abnormal. Discuss any concerns your child has. From videos circulating on Tik Tok to classroom rumors, your child may be susceptible to believing myths or false narratives spreading across their peers. Invite an open dialogue where they can be honest about what they’re hearing so you can dispel any false information with the truth. Talk to your child’s doctor. If you’re concerned about getting your child vaccinated, talk to their pediatrician. They’ll also be happy to address any questions or hesitancies that your child may have about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. MedStar Health associate Shreejana Pokharel decided to get her 13-year old daughter vaccinated, but it wasn’t an easy decision. “It was challenging to decide,” she notes. “But the study data published by Pfizer was convincing, as the vaccine was 100% effective among children.” She also had a heart-to-heart conversation with her daughter who had concerns because of her peers’ experiences. Shreejana was able to explain the benefits of the vaccine while addressing false rumors her daughter had heard. At the end of the discussion, her daughter said, “Mommy, I hate needles, but I’m excited for this one so I can go back to school safely”. How can I keep my child safe at school if they’re ineligible for vaccination? Nearly half of Americans remain unvaccinated against the novel coronavirus, including 48 million children under the age of 12 who are ineligible for vaccination. Yet returning to face-to-face education is important for the social wellbeing of our children. MedStar Health Pediatrician Tia Medley, MD witnessed firsthand the negative social impact on kids who didn’t attend school in person last year. She encourages the parents of her patients to attend school in person this year, regardless of vaccination status, provided that the school is actively ensuring safety through other means. 48 million children are currently ineligible to get the #COVID19Vaccine. On the #LiveWellHealthy blog, learn how you can protect them as they head #BackToSchool: https://bit.ly/3zhlzl9. Click to Tweet Even if your child is ineligible for vaccination, it’s still possible to return to school safely. As an adult, getting vaccinated yourself can reduce the likelihood that you contract the virus and spread it to your children. And, with the proper protocols in place, schools can mitigate the risk of a major outbreak. Ensure your child’s school and teacher is: Encouraging mask-wearing inside the building Facilitating social distancing when possible Providing frequent opportunities for hand-washing and sanitizing Actively screening and monitoring kids with symptoms Sending kids with symptoms home and ensuring health before they return to school If your child has the sniffles or is showing any sign of illness, keep them home. While it may just be the common cold, it’s important to be abundantly cautious to minimize the spread of the virus in the classroom. To learn more, watch our Facebook Live video below: Consider participating in a local clinical trial. Currently, Pfizer and Moderna are both conducting clinical trials for kids under the age of 12 across three age groups, including: Six months to two years Two to five years Five to twelve years Pfizer and Moderna expect to have results for the older cohort later this fall. And, both offer clinical trials within the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. region. If you have a child between the ages of six months and 12 years, you may consider participating in a trial. Doing so would offer a 50 percent chance of your child getting vaccinated. Stay healthy and have a terrific school year. Widespread vaccination is the best way to keep kids safe from COVID-19, if they’re eligible. But if your child is under 12, it’s still possible for them to stay safe and healthy this school year, as long as their school establishes and enforces good screening and prevention protocols that minimize the spread of COVID-19. As your kids head back to school during a worldwide pandemic, remind them that their class is a community. Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated can protect both themselves and the other members in their community from COVID-19. Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Click below to learn more. COVID-19 Vaccine Information Investing in the Best: How We Provide Top-Rated Heart Care MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute has once again been ranked a top heart hospital by US News & World Report. This ranking—which climbed from #37 in 2020 to #30 in 2021—reflects our dedication to exceptional patient care. It is based on our ratings in services with the highest impact on a patient outcomes and experiences. For example, we received an “Excellent” score in critical areas such as: Implementing advanced technologies to continually improve our processes and treatments Providing full-circle cardiovascular care, from preventive care to follow-up cardiac rehabilitation Discharging patients to their homes instead of another care facility After a year in which patient safety was more important than ever, we are humbled by this ranking—and recognize that this honor is just part of our story. Patients are at the center of everything we do. Our legacy and reputation are grounded in our goal to provide the best patient experience while continually recognizing opportunities for improvement. @MedStarWHC was again ranked a top heart hospital by @usnews. Physician Executive Director Stuart Seides, MD, discusses 4 key areas that contribute to outstanding #PatientCare: https://bit.ly/3kb5uaa. Click to Tweet People are our priority. We’ve always known that people are our most valuable resource—as much or more so than our technology or facilities—and our performance during the pandemic further demonstrated this. We did not pause essential care for cardiovascular patients during the pandemic, and we rapidly pivoted to telehealth where we could, proving our team’s dedication to patient care and a life of service. This is especially evident in five key areas that affect the patient experience: Volume and physician expertise Comprehensive scope of advanced services Specialized cardiac nurses Cardiac prevention and rehabilitation Dedication to research 1. Volume and physician expertise. We have the highest patient volume in our region and are among the highest performing cardiovascular institutions nationwide. Higher volumes lead to better outcomes because experience builds expertise. As a tertiary referral center for both straightforward and complex cases seen regionally and nationally, we routinely serve patients from Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, western and southern Maryland, Baltimore, and beyond. While there are few cardiac conditions we haven’t seen, our treatment planning capabilities for new or rare cases far exceed those of smaller and less experienced centers. We have a large and diverse staff comprising generalists, specialists, and subspecialists who dedicate themselves to refining the optimal approaches designed for specific conditions and related procedures. 2. Comprehensive scope of advanced services. We offer the widest range of treatment options and devices for patients with structural heart disease (valve disease, congenital heart defects and stroke prevention). Our team of electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons are the most experienced physicians in this region offering treatment for both paroxysmal and long-term, persistent atrial fibrillation. Our advanced heart failure team is a leader in the implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), heart transplantation and innovative treatments for infiltrative cardiomyopathy. 3. Specialized cardiac nurses. Providing excellent patient experiences relies heavily on high-quality nursing care—and our nurses are exceptional. Day to day and moment to moment, our specialized cardiovascular nurses are the frontline of our care, serving as the liaison between the patient and their specialists. We continue to invest in nursing leaders who are attuned to the value of ongoing training and creating a strong, supportive environment. Our nurses have the opportunity to participate in research that uses technologies, medications, and procedures not available anywhere else. 4. Cardiac prevention and rehabilitation. We offer free online cardiac health risk assessments so people can understand their individual risk of developing heart disease and then take action before a major cardiac event occurs. MedStar Health physicians provide diagnostic exams and testing to identify patients who have or are at risk for heart disease so it can be treated in the earliest possible stages. MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute cardiac rehab experts focus on patients’ well-being before and after cardiac events—and helping patients understand their role in preventing illness or surgery. Depending on your condition, our cardiac rehab team can help get you back to your pre-condition health, or even better. Our services incorporate education and action. We build our patients’ recovery plans on personalized cardiovascular testing. As they relearn daily activities, we provide individualized physical and psychological guidance, as well as support group access. 5. Dedication to research. At MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, research is where innovation meets treatment. Research is a critical catalyst to excellence in clinical care. It pushes the envelope beyond today’s standards of care to develop better, faster ways to improve a patient’s outcome. Because of our dedication to research, we have led the charge in many cardiac innovations, including: LVADs TAVR, a minimally invasive procedure to replace a faulty aortic heart valve Treatment for complex, life-threatening conditions such as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, which increase the risk of aortic rupture We continually participate in clinical trials, and we develop new, customized devices, enabled by investigational device exemptions (IDEs). Through IDEs, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of devices before they are cleared for widespread clinical use. Unlike the leaps and bounds made in the early 20th century, modern medical research gives us space to take steady, measured steps toward improving long-term patient outcomes. Moreover, to effectively teach the best and brightest at our academic medical center, we must constantly assess the most current data and techniques, sharing that knowledge with our physicians, nurses and physicians in training. Our commitment to you continues. The rapid advancement and adoption of technology throughout the pandemic helped us pivot to patients’ needs more quickly. Wherever possible, we are both continuing and expanding our telehealth services, such as virtual rehabilitation consultations. While many in-person appointments remain a necessity, virtual appointments allow our patients to consult with their provider from any location, on any device, saving the time and effort it takes to physically visit our center. As COVID-19 cases creep up again, our providers remain ever-vigilant and on high alert. There is a great deal of fatigue right now—like finishing a marathon, then being told you have extra miles to run! But the silver lining through all of this has been an unparalleled sense of teamwork as we seek to meet challenges now and in the future. As we continually refine and improve how we serve our patients, one thing will never change: When you come to the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, you get the region’s most experienced cardiovascular specialists who use the most advanced technology driven by leading-edge research, to provide exceptional care experiences. Seeking cardiac care? Our top-rated team is ready to help. 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