The hospital provides robes, gowns, slippers, and a kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues and other small items. The checklists below will help you pack for your hospital stay.

Important phone numbers:

Admissions: 202-865-1201
Outpatient Testing Center: 202-865-4058
Financial Counseling: 202-865-1262
Patient Relations: 202-865-6823
Physician Referral Service: 202-595-3200
Patient Accounts: 202-865-3500

Daily rates for parking are:

1 hr or less: $2.00
1 ½ hrs or less: $2.75
2 hrs or less: $3.50
3 hrs or less: $4.50
4 hrs or less: $5.50
5 hrs or less: $6.50
Max. to 24 hrs: $ 6.50

All valuables should be sent home to protect from theft or loss. If this is not possible, please deposit them with an admissions representative or you may ask your nurse for assistance. The hospital does not assume responsibility for the theft or loss of property. If you wear dentures, ask your nurse to provide a special storage container. To prevent damage or loss, please do not wrap them in tissue; put them on your food tray or in your bed. Dentures and glasses must be removed prior to surgery.

Your insurance company may require you to obtain their permission in advance for services, which is identified as a referral. You may receive a call from the hospital staff assisting you with this process.

It is important that you present all forms and documents you receive from your physician or the insurance company to the admitting office staff.

After your discharge, you will receive a hospital bill that covers all services you received during your stay at Howard University Hospital. Any tests or studies ordered by your physician will be listed on the bill as additional services. As a courtesy, the hospital submits bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. However, you should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

You may also receive a separate bill from your personal physician and other physicians such as an anesthesiologist, cardiologist, neurologist, pathologist and/or radiologist who have provided consultation or direct services. For information regarding these bills, please contact the physician’s office directly using the telephone number on the bill.

You should familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance policy. This will help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges.

Patient Accounts Office is located on the first floor, near the main entrance. The office accepts payment for hospital services in the form of cash, personal checks, traveler’s checks, money orders and most credit cards. The office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

In order to do a preliminary evaluation, your physician may request tests before you are admitted to the hospital. If you require tests, an Admissions Office representative will call to arrange for a pre-admission appointment. This is a good time to present or make special requests pertaining to your hospital stay. The hospital is committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible.

The Outpatient Testing Center is located on the first floor of the Towers Building, Room 1800C.

Once your physician determines that you need hospitalization, he/she will arrange for your admission to Howard University Hospital.

If you are a scheduled admission, on the day of your admission a representative will call regarding your room availability and your arrival time. When you arrive, please go directly to the Admissions Office, located on the first floor.

An admissions representative will ask questions regarding your insurance and medical history. You will be required to present an insurance identification card and one form of picture identification such as a driver’s license. The admitting clerk will also ask for any referral or authorization forms you may have been asked to bring. If you come to the hospital in an emergency, please have a family member come to the Admissions Office with your insurance card.

Upon admission, an identification band or bands that you will need to wear during your hospitalization will be placed on your arm by your nurse. This band enables the staff to coordinate the services you receive. Please wear these bands at all times. If you have allergies to any substance, such as food, medicine or latex, a red band will be placed on your wrist.

Advance directives, in the form of a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, enable patients to give instructions regarding the treatment they would prefer if seriously ill. If you have a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, you must give a copy to your nurse. The document will be included with your chart. If you did not receive information on advance directives at the time of admission, please tell your nurse or doctor.

Howard University Hospital is a “University-Teaching Hospital,” training tomorrow’s physicians. Your physician is responsible for your care while you are at the hospital, however residents (doctors in training) may accompany him/her in your room. You have the right to refuse treatment by anyone other than your physician present.

In addition to your physician, your health team includes:

• Housestaff (Residents) — Housestaff physicians are doctors who have graduated from medical school and have come to Howard University for advanced training in a particular medical specialty. Housestaff physicians work under the close guidance of your doctor to provide you with 24-hour care.
• Nurses — You will receive 24-hour nursing care from a team of registered nurses. A nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating the nursing care on your floor.
• Pharmacists — These experts prepare medications and monitor you to avoid side effects, allergies and possible interactions with drugs and food.
• Respiratory Therapists — Registered and certified respiratory therapists work together with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders.
• Social Workers — Their job is to offer counseling, emotional support and information to meet your psychological and practical needs. Social workers will also assist you with discharge planning or obtaining post hospital services.
• Utilization Review/Case Managers — Their job is to work with the nursing team, your primary care physician and your insurance company to coordinate your care.
• Dietitians — Registered dietitians work with the doctors and nurses to ensure that you receive proper nutrition during your stay.
• Patient Representatives — These representatives make sure that your comments and concerns are heard.
• Volunteers — Working in various departments, volunteers distribute reading materials and visit patients.

After completing the admission process, you will be assigned a room. Your room assignment is based on your admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of your admission. Nursing staff will orient you to the features in your room.

You may request a private room, if one is available, at an additional cost. This extra cost is not covered by health insurance plans; you will be responsible for paying the difference at the time of discharge.

Your bed adjusts to different positions and is equipped with side rails for your protection. Please do not try to get out of bed by yourself when the rails are raised. The nursing staff will be glad to assist you.

For your safety and convenience, there is a call light located at your bedside and a call button in your bathroom. Please make sure that your call bell is always within your reach. A two-way intercom also enables you to talk directly with the nurse’s station.

While you’re in the hospital, please inform your doctor of any medication you are taking, including: prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products and health food store products. Your physicians and the nursing staff will inform you when or when not to take medications or supplements.

If you want to leave the room and floor, you must obtain written permission from the nursing staff on your patient care unit. Patients must be attired in a manner appropriate for a public area.

Eating the right foods to maintain good nutritional health during your illness is an important part of your medical treatment that may help you to recovery more quickly.

To provide you with the best nutritional care possible, dietitians work very closely with your doctor to determine which diet is best for you.

Once the doctor has ordered your diet, starting with your first breakfast tray, you will receive a menu daily, from which you may select the food items you prefer for the next day’s meals. Food items on the menu provided are prepared according to your doctor’s orders.

After marking your menu, please do not put it on your tray. A food services representative will visit you around 10:00 a.m. daily, to pick up your marked menu. If you choose not to mark your menu, please let the representative know of your food allergies or dislikes and he/she will mark your menu for you.

It is important that you not eat any foods or snacks that are brought into the hospital from outside, especially if you are on a special diet. Also, please do not take any herbal supplements, vitamins or other food products without first obtaining permission from your doctor, nurse or dietitian. Some of these products may interfere with your tests or treatments.

Occasionally, your meal(s) may be delayed if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment. When authorized by your physician, you will receive your meal after the procedure is completed.

Please contact your nurse for assistance if you have questions about your meals, have special requests or need to see a food services manager or dietitian.

You have a right to pain relief. Your nurse will ask you about your pain regularly or as indicated. Tell the nurse and/or doctor if your pain is not being relieved.

To protect our patients and visitors from infection, we follow the recommended policies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and District of Columbia Department of Health. All staff members follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of infections.

Members of our health care team who handle your blood or body fluids should wear gloves. In addition, please make sure that anyone who touches you has washed their hands or used the hand sanitizer.

We want you to be safe so we sometimes may have to impose additional isolation precautions on patients whom we suspect may have an infectious disease.

If for any reason you are in isolation or under certain precautions, please have your visitors check in at the nursing station for proper attire before they enter your room. Our infection control staff will be glad to answer questions about isolation and other precautions. Infection control instructions for isolation precautions will be updated as new information is received from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention or the District of Columbia Department of Health.

You have a right to have all of your questions answered by the physician before you give informed consent for any procedure. If you have any surgery, ask your physician to mark the part of your body that is to be operated on.

For your health and safety, Howard University Hospital is a “smoke free” environment, therefore, smoking is not allowed by patients, visitors, employees or medical staff in any hospital buildings or on hospital property, including entrances and exits. Enforcing this policy allows Howard University Hospital to comply with existing health care regulations.

All members of the Howard University Hospital staff and volunteers are required to wear an identification badge with his/her photograph, name and department printed on it. Please do not hesitate to ask if you do not see a badge on someone involved with your care.

Visitors are an important part of the healing process, and we encourage family and friends to visit during your stay. Visiting guidelines ensure that patients have adequate rest and allow our staff to provide the best possible care. If you have questions about visiting hours, please ask your nurse.

Only persons having legitimate business will be allowed to enter the hospital. All patients, visitors and employees must stop at the main entrance to obtain a pass or show their identification badge. Patients and visitors may be asked to sign in.

Regular visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Visitors are limited to two at a time and other visiting restrictions may apply. Please check with the nursing staff. Children under the age of sixteen (16) may visit patients only with the authorization of the attending physician and in the company of an adult guardian/supervisor. Visitors must display a visitor pass at all times.

Passes are available at the information desks. Flowers for patients are welcome, except on intensive care units. No outside food may be brought into the hospital by or for patients/visitors without specific approval of a physician.

Security personnel work with the staff, patients and visitors to create a safe environment. Patients and visitors must stop at the appropriate entrance and obtain a pass and you may be asked to sign in. If you need security assistance, please tell your nurse or any other staff member.

The Security Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have a full fire alarm system throughout the hospital that alerts security control to smoke or fire. Surveillance cameras are focused on areas such as parking lots and entrances. All hospital employees are issued identification badges, which they are required to wear during their working day. Passes are issued to visitors to establish their identity. All security personnel are trained to be helpful and tactful, yet firm in implementing the established security procedures.

Report all lost or found articles to Security at 202-865-1104, Room BC 44.

For your protection, the hospital conducts fire drills regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, please remain in your room and do not be alarmed. Your caregivers have been trained in fire safety procedures and will advise you as needed.

Since many patients are admitted to Howard University Hospital throughout the day, it is important that those no longer needing hospitalization be discharged smoothly and in a timely manner. We ask that you arrange to meet our discharge time of 10:00 a.m. This helps us get ready for the next patient.

Discharge instructions, dictated by your physicians, will be given to you by your nurse. Some patients will need additional treatment or care following discharge. Please ask your physician about resources available to you.

Please be sure you have arranged for appropriate transportation to return to your home. A staff person will escort you by wheelchair to the patient pick-up area located in front of the hospital. If your transportation arrangements are delayed, we can provide an area for you to wait in the hospital.

When you are discharged, you and/or your family members will receive instructions on the recovery process.

If you need to talk with the financial counselor, the phone number is 202-865-1262.

Things to remember before leaving:

• Ask your doctor about any special diet or medication needs.
• Discuss any limitations or follow-up treatments that might be necessary.
• Speak with a financial counselor about your hospital bill.
• Make sure you have all of your belongings.
• Be sure to take your discharge instructions and prescriptions.
• If you are wearing monitoring devices, please have your nurse determine if they should be removed before your departure.

Our health care team is dedicated to providing quality care in a friendly and caring environment. We want your hospital stay to be a pleasant one, and we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Thirty days after being discharged, you may receive a telephone call asking you to rate your experience at our hospital. The call will be made by Professional Research Consultants, a company contracted by the hospital to help us gather feedback from patients to improve our performance and provide the highest quality of care to patients.

A random selection of patients is called. These patients are then asked a number of questions about their hospital stay.

Telephone services are available 24 hours a day for outgoing calls. Incoming calls are restricted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. To place a call within the hospital, you only need to dial the last five (5) digits. For example, if you want to reach 202-865-6000, dial 5-6000. To make local calls, dial 9, then the seven-digit number. For long distance calls, you will need a calling card or personal credit card. The hospital does not accept collect calls.

For hearing impaired patients, a TTY/TDD is available. Contact Patient Relations at extension 5-6823, or request these services through your nurse.

Television service is immediately available to you in your room upon admission. Please do not bring televisions from home. In addition, no electrical appliances may be brought from home as they do not meet safety standards for hospitals and may be hazardous.

There are lounges on most patient floors. If you are ambulatory, you are welcome to go to a lounge whenever you wish. You may ask your nurse for directions and assistance if needed.

Environmental Services offers housekeeping services 24-hours a day. If you need housekeeping assistance in your room, you may tell your nurse or call the Operator (dial “0”).

Located in the hospital’s main lobby, the Gift Shop sells magazines, snacks, flowers and gifts. Proceeds from sales are donated to the hospital for special projects. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. During the months of July and August, the Gift Shop is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Patients are prohibited from using the Gift Shop unless there is a physician order and the patient is accompanied by a staff member.

For your convenience, a cafeteria is located on the second floor. The cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open during the following hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; and 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Vending machines for hot /cold drinks and snacks are available 24-hours a day in the cafeteria.

Outside food and food from the cafeteria or snack bar may not be brought to a patient without written approval by the physician. Visitors who wish to eat with their loved ones may request a “guest meal” through Food Services. Such meals are served at an additional charge, separate from the patient’s bill and must be paid for in advance of service.

For your convenience, an ATM machine is located on the first floor next to the chapel.

Howard University Hospital responds to the medical and health care needs of international and diplomatic patients. The Office of International Health Care Services works exclusively to meet the needs of international patients by offering interpreters and helping the family understand the hospital and the city services.

To reach International Health Care Services, call 202-865-4427.

The Patient Relations Department works to ensure that every patient receives the best care possible during his/her stay at Howard University Hospital. The department's staff will help answer questions that may arise during your hospital stay. To speak with a representative, please call 202-865-6823, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. After hours and on weekends you may call the house supervisor at 202-865-1105.

The hospital has a process to address complaints or grievances through the patient representative program. The patient representative can provide more information on this process. You may contact the patient representative at 202-865-6823.

If you or your family feels that your rights have not been respected, notify your physician, nurse or the unit/department manager. You or your family may also contact the:

Patient Relations Department
202-865-6823
TTY 202-865-5889

DC Dept. of Health (24-hour Hot Line)
202-442-5833

Alternatively, write to:

DC Dept. of Health
825 North Capitol Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

You or your family may also contact the Joint Commission at 1-800-994-6610 or via their e-mail at:

complaint@jointcommission.org
 

Sign language interpreters, telephone amplifiers, TTY phones and closed-captioned televisions are available to hearing-impaired patients free of charge. Please contact Patient Relations at 202-865-6823 or request these services through your nurse.

Our hospital continually strives to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and District of Columbia Disabilities Act regarding the rights of all disabled individuals. If you or a visitor encounter any physical or communication barriers during your time at our hospital, or believe you have been denied access to the hospital’s full array of services because of your disability, we encourage you to contact a patient representative at 202-865-6823. Someone will respond to your concerns as soon as possible.

Assistance is available for patients and families who do not speak English. Every effort will be made to identify a staff member who is proficient in your language and can assist you and your family. For information, contact your nurse or call 202-865-4427.

Recognizing that cultural and language barriers can impede access to health, Howard University’s Office of Hispanic and Multicultural Affairs addresses the unique needs of the Hispanic and non-English speaking communities. The office has bilingual staff and volunteers (Spanish, English, French, Vietnamese, and Bosnian) with experience in health care and social services. The office is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and can be reached by calling 202-865-5284.

There is a nonsectarian chapel on the first floor of the hospital. The chapel is open seven days a week for patients, visitors and staff. There is a full time chaplain on duty. If you wish to make a special request for clergy, please ask your nurse or call the hospital Operator by dialing “0.” Please specify the denomination you prefer. Your own clergy member(s) is also welcome to visit you.

There may be occasions when a task is needed or an errand run within the hospital. The Office of Volunteer Services is available (Monday –Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to respond to your needs. The office provides reading materials: i.e., magazines and hard and paperback novels. For your convenience, please call 202-865-1470 or 202-865-1375.

The hospital’s Bioethics Committee is available to help you or your family deal with issues related to the appropriateness of care and end-of-life decisions. To request a Bioethics consult, you or a member of your family may call the Medical Staff Office at 202-865-6702.

As long as you have not requested that information be withheld, friends and family may obtain your room location and condition. They must provide your name (first and last) for this information. Please tell the nurse if you wish this information to be withheld. Members of the clergy are not restricted from receiving information about you.

When you are admitted, you will be asked to acknowledge receipt of the hospital’s privacy notice and if you wish to be listed in the hospital directory. The notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

Giving Opportunities

Howard University Hospital has a stellar reputation in several specialized areas of care and remains a pioneer of treatment techniques in the detection of heart disease, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, cancer (breast, cervical, lung, prostate and colorectal), women’s health, Alzheimer’s disease, influenza, pneumonia, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, liver disease and cirrhosis. Gifts may be restricted upon the donor’s request to benefit these and other specific areas of care. Unrestricted gifts will be advanced to the Howard University Hospital Endowment Fund and utilized to meet the immediate needs of the institution. Donors are welcomed to make contributions in honor of a loved one or significant other as a tribute.