How Many Hospitals Are There in Washington, DC?

Presently, Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is home to a wide variety of hospitals and medical facilities that treat those needing health care. The city has 14 hospitals including general acute care hospitals, specialty hospitals, and military hospitals. These provide essential services in the field and are engaged in medical research, education, and community health.

General Acute Care Hospitals

Washington, D.C., is home to several prominent general acute care hospitals that offer a wide spectrum of services under one roof:

• MedStar Washington Hospital Center: As the largest private and non-profit hospital in the District, MedStar Washington Hospital Center is known for its comprehensive medical services, including a nationally recognized cardiology and heart surgery program. The hospital is an important component of the MedStar Health system, which also includes MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. 

• The George Washington University Hospital: The hospital acts under The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and is best known for its emergency care. Historically, it has provided immediate health care for several notable persons, including President Ronald Reagan after the attempt on his life in 1981. 

• Howard University Hospital: Howard University Hospital serves as a teaching hospital for Howard University College of Medicine and is distinguished as the only hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university in our great nation. It provides a wide range of medical services and plays an important role in training African American physicians. 

• Sibley Memorial Hospital: This is a private hospital located in the northwest part of the city, and it is a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. The hospital provides wide-ranging medical services, including one of the most established obstetrics programs and an advanced center for oncology.

• United Medical Center: United Medical Center is situated in Southeast D.C. and primarily caters to communities east of the Anacostia River. It provides health care services, including emergency care, surgical services, and maternal and child health programs. 

Specialty Hospitals

The district also has several specialty hospitals, which focus on very specific areas of medical care:

• Children’s National Hospital: Children’s National is one of the top pediatric hospitals in the United States. It provides complete care in numerous pediatric subspecialties. It is also a leader in pediatric research and houses the Children’s National Research Institute. 

• MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital: Focused on rehabilitation services, this hospital treats patients recovering from neurologic and orthopedic ailments, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.

• Psychiatric Institute of Washington: A private and for-profit psychiatric hospital, it provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults for a variety of psychiatric disorders.

• St. Elizabeths Hospital: St. Elizabeths is a public psychiatric hospital run by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, which has been looking after people with severe and persistent mental illnesses for many years.

Military and Veterans Hospital

Two facilities within Washington, D.C. exist for the treatment of military personnel and veterans and their families:

• Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center: This public hospital provides a wide array of medical services to veterans, including primary care, specialized treatment, and mental health services.

• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: Just outside the District in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed is a primary medical center for active-duty members of the military and their families. It provides full medical care, including special services for combat-related injuries.

Historical Context and Evolution

The healthcare landscape of Washington, D.C. has witnessed enormous changes over the years. Providence Hospital, chartered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 is known as the oldest continuously operating hospital in the city, but was closed in 2019. Likewise, the historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center was moved to Bethesda in 2011 under a Department of Defense base realignment plan. These changes reflect a perception of increasing consolidation and modernization in healthcare across the region. 

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond treating patients, the hospitals in the District of Columbia provide a worthwhile contribution to the local economy and community welfare. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, for example, reported net patient revenue of around $1.5 billion, indicating a huge economic presence. Collectively, these institutions not only employ their personnel but also support medical education and research and undertake community health initiatives to address public health issues within the District.

Wrapping Up

The network of 14 hospitals in Washington, D.C., encompasses a variety of medical facilities, each one contributing uniquely to the community’s health and welfare. From general acute care hospitals to specialized institutions and military medical centers, these hospitals together ensure that residents and visitors have access to comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services. While the city continues to expand and evolve, its medical institutions have stood the test of time as supports, caregivers, and innovators.