LEONARDTOWN, MD—Hospitals throughout the Southern Maryland region are currently experiencing high patient volumes due to winter illnesses such as the flu. According to the Maryland Department of Health, reports of influenza-like illnesses are now considered widespread in Maryland and have shown a sharp increase in the last weeks of December.

In order to best care for our patients, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital would like to remind area residents that the Emergency Department is not their only option when facing flu-like illnesses. If you are unable to see your primary care provider, please consider using MedStar PromptCare located in Charlotte Hall and Waldorf or MedStar eVisit, which offers virtual medical care in your home. Use the guide below to determine which care options are best for you.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening illness, please call 9-1-1.

Visit MedStar St. Mary’s Emergency Department for:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Major head injury
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe dizziness or passing out
• Stroke symptoms
• Seizures

Visit MedStar PromptCare (soon to be MedStar Urgent Care) or use MedStar eVisit for:

• Allergies
• Cold
• Sinus infection
• Mild flu symptoms

MedStar PromptCare offers extended hours as well as online check in to help avoid long waits. MedStar eVisit gives you 24/7 video access to trusted providers from your tablet, smart phone, or computer.

Visit MedStarPromptCare.Org or MedStarEVisit.com for more information.

About MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital (MSMH) is a full-service community hospital, delivering state-of-the-art emergency, acute inpatient and outpatient care in Leonardtown, Maryland. Nestled in a waterside community, MedStar St. Mary's provides advanced technology with a dedication to excellence in all services provided. The not-for-profit hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals™ and is an eight time recipient of the prestigious Delmarva Medicare Excellence Award. In addition, MSMH received the Maryland Performance Excellence award at the Platinum level in 2014 – the highest in the state. Our staff is committed to providing quality and compassionate medical care for all patients by coupling innovation with our outstanding team of Medical Staff members, associates and volunteers. Visit MedStarStMarys.org to learn more.

Holly Meyer
Public Relations & Marketing Director
[email protected]
Phone: 301-475-6010