Adventist HealthCare Facilities Are NOT Community Testing Sites
Our hospitals only have COVID-19 testing for critically ill patients who are likely to need hospitalization. This policy aligns with guidance from the CDC and the state of Maryland. We are supportive of work by our local and state officials to create community testing sites that will preserve our Emergency Departments resources for those with injuries or illnesses requiring hospital-based care.
Check in with your doctor about ways you can protect yourself. We want to assure you that Adventist HealthCare is taking all necessary actions to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and caregivers. We are testing all of our maternity patients scheduled for a caesarean section or induction for COVID-19 within five days of their scheduled procedure. After pre-registering to deliver at one of our hospitals, a member of our pre-admissions team will contact you to schedule your testing appointment. Following testing, maternity patients will be asked to remain in isolation until their procedure date to avoid exposure.
In addition, our employees and facilities are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding COVID-19. Please follow the visitor restriction policy to protect you and your loved ones. If you are pregnant, continue to follow good health hygiene habits:
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean common surfaces such as door knobs, counters, bathroom fixtures, phones and tablets
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow, NOT your hand
- Avoid large gatherings, crowds and close contact with others
We recognize this is a difficult time for new moms. Here are some other tips to help you prepare for your stay at the hospital:
- Prepare for your support person to stay the length of your visit. This will limit any back and forth and risk of exposure
- Bring your car seat with you and keep in the car
- If you have other children, plan for their care at home
- Bring all needed items with you to the hospital such as nursing pillow, breastfeeding support items or other items you may need
- Bring extra items for your support person such as clothes, etc.
Adventist HealthCare has resumed some elective procedures. The health and safety of our patients and caregivers is our top priority. We are taking steps to keep you safe in our care. If you had a surgery or another elective procedure cancelled with us, please keep in touch with your doctor with the latest updates. If you have a procedure scheduled with us and have questions, please call the location of your procedure.
- Fort Washington Medical Center at 301-292-7000
- Shady Grove Medical Center at 240-826-6000
- White Oak Medical Center at 240-637-4000
Learn more about our safety measures.
We want to assure you that Adventist HealthCare is here for all your medical conditions. You may be managing a chronic health condition such as diabetes or heart disease or have a new medical issue that requires care.
Here are some tips to help ensure you get the right care when you need it:
- For managing chronic health conditions, stay in touch with your doctor. Many doctors are offering telehealth so you can see your doctor right from home.
- For minor illnesses, call your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center. Adventist HealthCare Urgent Care is offering telehealth appointments. Remember to call ahead if you need to go in. This will help prepare them for your arrival to ensure your safety.
- If you need emergency care, call your doctor or the closest emergency department to let them know you are coming. This will help prepare them for your arrival to ensure your safety. They can also let you know about any visitor restrictions or information to help guide you when you arrive.
- If you need a prescription, either for a new medication or your regular medication, call ahead to the pharmacy to check their hours and if they have a drive through or are offering curb side service.
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center has been working closely with the State of Maryland to coordinate surge capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. This plan includes expanding capacity at both the hospital in White Oak and at the Takoma Park campus of the former Washington Adventist Hospital.
If you have general questions or concerns about coronavirus, the following local government hotlines can provide you with updated information:
- Montgomery County: Call 3-1-1 from within the County.
- Prince George’s County: Call 301-883-6627.
- Washington, D.C.: Call 3-1-1 from within the District.
The most up-to-date news and guidance can be found at CDC.gov.
For checklists to prepare yourself and your home, visit Ready.gov.
REMEMBER: If you have recent travel and/or exposure along with symptoms, please first call your doctor or healthcare provider.
