We often receive the following questions about accessing services at St. Mary's Hospital.  You may read through all of the FAQs, or simply skip to the section that interests you by clicking on one of the links. Below, are answers to common inquiries related to the following topics:

How long do patients stay?
Patient length of stay depends on the illness and whether the person is dangerous to his or herself or others.  The average length of stay is 3-6 days.

Can a patient leave whenever he orshe wants to be discharged?
Patients admitted voluntarily can be kept up to 3 days from the time they request to be discharged.  Involuntary patients cannot be discharged until an order from a physician or judge is provided.

When can family and friends visit?
Visiting hours are 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sundays visiting hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  Two visitors are allowed at a time per patient. All visitors must sign in at the nursing station. All packages must be inspected. Visitors under the age of 12 are allowed with permission of the charge nurse. Special exceptions can be made at the discretion of the psychiatrist.

Families are encouraged to participate in the patient’s treatment and are encouraged to schedule a family meeting with staff.

What do patients do while on the unit?
Group activities are held throughout the day.  Groups begin at 9 a.m. and end at 9 p.m. There is free time for patients during the day, as well.  Patients also meet individually with staff and their psychiatrist.

        Unit groups and activities can include:

• Anger Management
• Stress Management
• Occupational Therapy
• Diagnosis Education
• Medication Education
• Assertiveness
• Group Therapy
• Habit Awareness

What is the day program?
The day program provides treatment for those not requiring an overnight stay in the hospital.  The program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.  Group activities make up the schedule for the day, as well as individual time with the staff and psychiatrist

Where do I go when I leave the hospital?
The case manager will work with the patient and family in setting up after care appointments and recommendations for care.  The typical recommendation is for each patient to receive an appointment with both a psychiatrist and therapist upon discharge.

Who do I speak with about an admitted patient?
Our case manager is availble regarding information at 301-475-6227.  If a meeting is requested, please contact the case manager to set up dates and times.

Provider Referrals

How do I refer patients to the hospital?
Patients can be referred to the Emergency Care Center (ECC) for evaluation or directly to the Behavioral Health unit or day program. Direct referrals should be called to 301-475-6227. Staff will contact the psychiatrists for approval.

Who should I speak with about patients referred to the ECC?
Contact the ECC directly at 301-475-6110 and ask the secretary to put your name and contact information on the chart for the EPS (Emergency Psyciatric Services) worker.  If you  need to get the information immediately, ask to speak to the charge nurse or a physician.

At St. Mary’s Hospital, patients are cared for in a nurturing, respectful environment by teams of highly qualified healthcare professionals.  If you would like to speak with a member of our staff regarding available behavioral health services, please contact our Behavioral Health unit at 301-475-6227.

When will I receive a bill?
Bills for services rendered are sent only after all third parties (e.g. insurance companies) have been billed.  If you have insurance and are receiving bills or statements from us, please check to see if your insurance company has paid their portion of your bill.  If they have, the balance is likely your co-insurance or deductible.

Why have I received a bill?
The hospital sends a bill to you to keep you abreast of the status of your bill and payments.  Please review your statement to ensure that charges submitted to insurance and payments received are accurate.  The hospital will continue to send you a statement until your account balance reaches zero.

I have questions about my bill.  Who can I talk to?
Representatives from our Patient Accounting office are available to help you Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please call 301-475-6033 to speak with a member of our staff.

Will you bill my insurance company for me?
Yes, as a courtesy we will bill your insurance company, or companies.  It is your responsibility to provide any requested information to your insurance company (accident information, claim forms, other health insurance information, or pre-existing condition information).  Insurance claims are generally paid four to six weeks after we have filed your claim.

Why did I receive more than one bill?
If you have received more than one bill, please review them carefully and you will likely find only one is from us. You most likely have received a bill from the physician(s) that saw you at the hospital.  Physicians send bills for their services separately from the hospital.

It has been several weeks since my hospital visit.  Why haven't I received a bill?
We will always bill the medical insurance on file first.  Once the insurance has paid their portion, any remaining amount will be billed to you.  Depending on how quickly the insurance carrier processes the claim, it may take anywhere from three to twelve weeks for you to receive a bill.

I was here last month and my charges were less (or more); why do they vary so much?  
Our rates are regulated by a state commission and we change them monthly so our average charge is equal to the rate set by the state commission.

Why does my hospital service cost so much?
In the state of Maryland, St. Mary's Hospital ranks as one of the cost-effective medical facilities – a fact we’re very proud of!  Our rates are regulated by a state commission and are set at a level that covers our cost of providing services.  Included in our cost of providing services are costs of charity care and various other community services we provide.  We are a not-for-profit organization, so any profits we have go toward keeping future costs of care down and keeping our facility and equipment up to date.

Does St. Mary's Hospital offer financial assistance?
St. Mary's Hospital offers a Payment Assistance Program for hospital services to those persons who are determined eligible. If you are eligible, you may receive services at no charge or at a discounted rate. For more information click here.

How many visitors can I while I am in labor and after delivery?
You need to check this with your physician before you go into labor, but we usually encourage you to limit your visitors to two during your labor and delivery.  After you deliver, please encourage visitors to come before 9 p.m. so that you can have ample time with your baby and also get some much needed rest.  Only the new baby's siblings should visit; other children under 12 should wait until you get home.  No visitors who are sick should visit you and your new baby.  During certain procedures, your visitors will be asked to wait in our visitor waiting room.

May I keep my older child(ren) with me in my room overnight?
No, we cannot be responsible for children staying overnight. 

Is it permissible to videotape my labor and delivery?
We have a "no video camera" policy at SMH.

Can I have my baby be circumcised before I go home? 
Generally, your obstetrician or pediatrician will circumcise your baby boy before discharge.  Occasionally, a urologist will do the surgery.  Once in awhile, however, none of these individuals is available at the time the circumcision needs to be done to facilitate your discharge, especially if your plans for going home change.  You may then make arrangements to have the circumcision done a couple of days later.

Now that most mothers have epidurals during labor, should I still plan to attend childbirth education classes? 
Absolutely! Childbirth education classes help to prepare you and your family for the childbirth experience beyond just the labor and delivery.  Having additional knowledge helps you to have the best possible childbirth experience. 

If I am in false labor will I be able to stay until my baby is delivered?
True labor is defined as a change in the cervix.  If you come in having contractions or if you think your water has broken, we will check you carefully and assess your baby as well.  If you are having contractions but your cervix is not dilating, you will probably be discharged with instructions about when to return.  It is not unusual to come to the hospital a couple of times before it is the "real thing."  It is much better to be checked out than to take chances.

If I have to stitches, will they need to be removed before I go home?
No.  The stitches used to repair an episiotomy or laceration are absorbed and do not need to be removed.

I know that breastfeeding is best for my baby and for me, but I have never breastfed a baby and am not sure about what to do.  Is help available?
Yes, we have two certified lactation consultants on the SMH staff who make rounds on our unit daily during the week.   In addition, all of the nurses have breastfeeding training and will assist you to have a positive breastfeeding experience.

Is it OK to dress my baby in the clothes that I bring from home while I am in the hospital?
Yes!  Just remember that newborn babies often need several changes of clothing during the day, so be prepared with several sleepers or outfits.  While we do provide undershirts and blankets for your baby while you are in the hospital, these are linens that must remain at the hospital when you leave so they can be laundered for our next little guests!  We, of course, provide disposable diapers for your baby.

Following are answers to some commonly asked questions about your Emergency care. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask a Hospital staff member for assistance.

How long will I wait?
Patients are seen in the order of severity. If your ailment is not life-threatening or likely to cause permanent injury, more critical patients will be seen first.

While you are waiting, please remember that we may be waiting, too, for:

• Blood work and other lab test results
• X-rays and other diagnostic imaging test results
• Further observation of your condition
• Information from your private physician
• A special treatment room for certain conditions

How does the triage system work?
A specially trained triage nurse will meet with each new patient in the order they arrive, unless a serious medical condition warrants immediate attention. He or she will determine the severity of your condition.

What if I have a minor illness or injury?
Upon arrival to the Emergency Care Center, you will be screened by a triage nurse. If your condition is determined to be a minor illness or injury, such as a sore throat, an ear infection, or a sprain, you may be triaged to our Fast Track area within the ECC. Fast Track is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week and is staffed with it’s own physician and nursing personnel.

What is important for the nurses and doctors to know?
Please be sure you tell the nurses and doctors:

• If you have any pain
• If you have any allergies
• If you think you may be pregnant
• If you are taking any prescription medications, including birth control pills
• If you are taking any over-the-counter medications such as aspirin
• When you had your last tetanus shot
• Your past medical history or surgeries

What if my condition worsens while I’m waiting?
If your condition requires immediate attention, or you become worse while waiting, please inform a Hospital staff member.

Can I have visitors?
One or two visitors may be allowed with you in the Emergency Care Center. The nurses will allow visitors based on the activity in the Department and the condition of the patient. Visitors may be asked to leave during certain phases of treatment. Any personal information about your diagnosis and treatment is considered confidential. For your privacy, this information will only be shared with a member of your immediate family who you designate as family spokesperson.

Please note that, in general, food and drinks are not permitted in the Emergency Care Center. The lobby waiting area and the Hospital cafeteria are available for refreshments.

* We ask that patients not eat or drink anything until cleared to do so by the physician as this may interfere with or delay tests and results.

Who can I expect to see during my stay for Emergency care?
You will see:

• An Emergency Care Center physican who is specially trained to treat emergency patients
• A primary RN and ECC technician. These professionals may draw blood and prepare you for specific tests. The nurse will assess your care and learning needs, administer medications, monitor your care and update you regularly on your progress.
• Healthcare professionals from other Hospital departments as needed, including the lab and diagnostic imaging areas.
• A patient advocate, who will help make you as comfortable as possible, listen to your needs and assist you with getting information to your loved ones.

Is St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation a 501(c)(3) organization?
Yes. St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation was recognized as a non for profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1975.

What is St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation's tax identification number (TIN)?
The Foundation's Federal TIN or EIN is 52-1051368.

Where is the Foundation office?
The Foundation office is located near the Administrative entrance of the hospital.  Please stop by; we look forward to meeting you.

What does the Foundation support?
The Hospital’s Foundation raises funds primarily for the Healthcare Scholarship program.  In addition, it regularly contributes to the Capital Campaign.

How do I make a donation?
We appreciate your generosity!  There are a number of ways to donate to the Foundation.  Please call our office at 301-475-6455 to learn more.

Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes. We provide a tax receipt for monetary donations in accordance with Internal Revenue Service rules.

Is it possible to make a monthly donation?
Yes. Please phone our office at 301-475-6455 so that we can assist you.

I want to leave St. Mary's Hospital a bequest in my will.  What is the next step?
If you intend to leave a gift in your will – large or small – to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Inc. (our proper legal name), the process is very straightforward. Simply prepare your will or codicil and to including a phrase about your intention.

If I make a donation, will you give or sell my name to other charities?
No.  At St. Mary's Hospital, safeguarding our donors' privacy has always been a top priority. The personal information you provide is used solely to process the donation, maintain a record of contributions and keep you informed of the latest news and fundraising initiatives. We do not trade or sell donor names.

Where is St. Mary's Hospital located?
St. Mary's Hospital is located in Southern Maryland, less than 50 miles south of Washington, D.C.  For specific maps and directions, please click here.

What services does St. Mary's Hospital provide?
From basic primary care to advanced treatment and procedures, our facility provides a wide range of services.  For a comprehensive listing and detail of our services, visit the Services section of our website.

How do I Request a Birth Certificate?
St. Mary's Hospital does not issue official birth certificates. To obtain this document, contact the following office:

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Division of Vital Records • P.O. Box 68760 • Baltimore, Maryland 21215

The Division of Vital Records can be reached at 1-800-832-3277 or online at: http://www.vsa.state.md.us/

Where can I find information about Poison Control?
If you are faced with a poison emergency, call the Maryland Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.mdpoison.com

The Emergency Care Center at St. Mary's Hospital does not give advice over the phone. Patients will be informed of the following:

• The ECC is operational 24 hours a day and they are welcome to come in; OR
• They can call 911. Calls to 911 concerning poisoning will result in an ambulance being dispatch to the site; OR
• They can call Maryland Poison Control.

I'm from out of town.  What lodging is available for visitors coming to the area?
There are numerous places to stay in the surrounding area. The Accommodations section of our website provides a comprehensive listing of area hotels and motels. Because they often fill up quickly during the week, please try to make your arrangements ahead of time, if possible.

Where can I get something to eat that is close to the hospital?
There are many choices in the local area, including the Café at Buena Vista within the hospital.  Several restaurants are within a five-minute drive of the hospital.  Whether you’re looking for a Mexican meal, French cuisine or an all American hamburger, there’s something for everyone.  For more information, stop by the hospital lobby and ask one of our volunteers for directions.

Can I donate used toys, clothing or stuffed animals to the hospital?
We appreciate your generosity and desire to help our hospital and patients!  However, for infection control purposes we cannot accept any used donations.   

How can I volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital?
St. Mary's Hospital has an active volunteer community with a variety of opportunities.  Please call 301-475-6453 to request more information on how you can become involved as a volunteer, junior volunteer or Auxiliary member.

Why does it take several days for newborn photos to appear on the website?
When a baby is born, we feel privileged to have been a part of the experience.  As a service to the loved ones of our smallest patients, we do our best to quickly post pictures on our website for families who have given their written approval.  However, it can take some time to ensure that we have the proper authorization and information to post the picture.  New parents must sign an authorization form allowing their newborn’s photo to be posted on the Internet.  If the information on this form is not filled out properly or is illegible, it can delay the process even longer.  Our Information Systems department uploads new pictures to the hospital website Monday through Friday.  Pictures of babies who are born on Friday afternoon through Sunday will not be posted until early in the following week.  

What is Health Connections?
Health Connections is the community outreach department at St. Mary's Hospital.  It offers many community classes, seminars and support groups for all ages.  To learn more about our latest offerings, visit the Health Connections section of our website.  If you are interested in attending a class or would like more information, please call 301-475-6019 to speak with one of our staff members.

In addition to offering on campus health and wellness information, the Health Connections Outreach Center travels throughout the community offering free health screenings, including total blood cholesterol, glucose, and PSA testing.  You may have seen this 40 foot van at local events, businesses, schools and shopping centers – it’s on the road every week of the year!  Onboard, you’ll find a wide variety of information from SMH, the St. Mary's Health Department & St. Mary's Department of Social Services.

In addition, trained educators from Health Connections visit area schools, community organizations, churches and business to speak on a variety of health and wellness topics. To arrange for a speaker or for the Outreach Center to visit your organization or event, call 301-475-6019.

Is Health Connections affiliated with the County Health Department?
No, Health Connections is only affiliated with St. Mary's Hospital.

What is Diabetes Self Management?
Living with diabetes is a full time job.  The Diabetes Self Management classes at St. Mary's Hospital help individuals with diabetes to take control of their disease.  Our American Diabetes Association recognized program covers ten areas of diabetes management from medications to emotions to daily activity that has been proven to help individuals to live well.  Individuals interested in classes or nutrition counseling for diabetes can call 301-475-6019 for more information.  These services do require an order from your physician.

Does St. Mary's Hospital offer any other classes for individuals with diabetes?
Our certified diabetes educators offer monthly diabetes support groups for children & adolescents and for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.  They work closely with diabetic students at Great Mills High School and are available to speak at community events.  A free educational class is offered on a quarterly basis to all individuals that have completed the Diabetes Self Management classes.  In October, our Diabetes Fair gives you the opportunity to speak with vendors of diabetes care products, explore local resources and take advantage of the presentations on various diabetes care products.

I've just moved to the area and am eight months pregnant.  Can I tour the SMH Women's Health & Family Birthing Center?
Yes!  Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month SMH offer tours of our birthing center.  Meet in the front lobby of the hospital at 2 p.m. and a knowledgeable guide will take you through the unit.

This is my first baby and I am on bed rest and will miss my scheduled childbirth classes.  Is there information you can send to help us to know what to expect when we arrive at the hospital?
Health Connections has The Gift of Motherhood: Your Personal Journey through Prepared Childbirth DVD Series & book that you can borrow to watch in your home.  If you have additional questions our staff of certified childbirth instructors and lactation consultants will be happy to talk with you over the phone.  Call 301-997-6505 to contact a member or our staff.

Do you sell breast pumps?
The SMH Breastfeeding Resource Center sells and rents breast pumps.  As an official Medela distributor, we stock parts and supporting products.  The Center also has sells baby slings, nursing bra's and supports.  Our certified lactation consultants are available for individual consults both over the phone, by appointment and at the weekly Mom's Group that is held in the Health Connections building.  Call 301-997-6505 for more information about the Breastfeeding Resource Center.

Do you offer CPR and First Aid classes?
Health Connections offer two American Heart Saver CPR with AED classes and one American Safety Institute First Aid classes each month.  Because these classes are very popular, it’s best to register early before your current certification expires.

Does St. Mary's Hospital accept my insurance?
Please call your insurance carrier directly to ensure that you will be covered.

Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?
Yes, the information on your insurance card is needed for the hospital to file a claim with your insurance company or companies.  

I gave my insurance information to my doctor.  Why don't you have it?
Physicians are independent contractors to the hospital.  Each maintains his or her own patient information.  Also, your benefit coverage may be different for a physician than it is for hospital services.  For these reasons, physicians and the hospital retain separate insurance information.

How do I follow-up with my insurance company?
Most insurance company ID cards have a customer service phone number on the back.  Before you call, have available your insurance card, date of service, original billed amount, patient name and claim number, if applicable. Write down the name of the person you talked to at the insurance company.  If the bill is not paid in the stated timeframe, follow-up with the insurance company again and, if necessary, request to speak to a supervisor. Other key questions you should ask the insurance company customer service representative include the following:

• Have you received the hospital's bill for these services?
• Am I covered for these services?
• When will you pay the hospital for these services?
• What portion of this bill will I be responsible for paying?
• What is the status of the account?  If paid, ask when and to whom.

Do I need to let my insurance company know that I'm going to be in the hospital? We encourage you to check with your insurance company or your employer regarding coverage. Because there are so many types of insurance plans, we do not know if you need prior approval or notification for your hospital stay.

How do I know if my insurance company will cover my visit or certain services?
Coverage varies with each insurance company.  The hospital staff does not know whether a particular service will be covered.  Medically necessary and appropriate services may not always be covered by your insurance contract.  Please refer to your insurance member handbook or call your insurance company directly with questions.

Why didn't my insurance cover some services?
Insurance policies vary on what services are allowed (paid).  Your particular policy may not cover a certain service, or you may not have met your policy's deductible or co-insurance.

How will I know if my insurance company has paid my bill?
If there is a balance due from you after the insurance company has paid its portion, St. Mary's Hospital will send you a statement.  This statement indicates the amount that has been paid and any balance you are required to pay.  Please contact our Patient Billing office at 301-475-6033 to set up payment arrangements.

What is Registration?
Registration is a process where you check in with us each time you visit a specific service area within the hospital.  This ensures that your contact and insurance information for each appointment is complete and accurate.

Why is Registration necessary?
Registration will benefit everyone — patients, providers and insurance companies.  It will update your information in our records and assist you in filing accurate information for your insurance company.  Current information on your medical records also allows your physician to contact you more easily, if necessary.

Will I need to come early in order to register?
Yes. Please come approximately 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled out-patient appointment.  Specific departments will advise you for other arrival times.

What information will I need to bring?
Please bring your current insurance card(s) to your appointment. If your visit is related to an accident, worker's compensation, employment examination or other special purpose, be sure to bring copies of any pertinent forms your physician needs to complete.  Please inform your registrar whether your spouse works so that we can determine which insurance should be primary.