- General Page - Tier 2Definitions: Care Partners – Any person(s) who plays a significant role in an individual’s life. This may include family or a person(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, and significant others. Care partners may be individuals with a continued legal, genetic and/or emotional relationship as defined by the patient. Support Person – For patients with disabilities, support persons provide personal, behavioral and/or communication support not otherwise provided in a hospital setting. A support person may be appropriate for, but is not limited to, patients with intellectual, Developmental, physical, or neurocognitive disabilities. A support person may include, but is not limited to a family member, personal care assistant and/or disability service provider. Please see below for visitation in specific areas such as Surgical Services, Labor and Delivery, Mother Baby, Pediatrics, Emergency Department and Outpatient Practices. An adult/guardian must accompany all children.Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is committed to patient- and family-centered care and strives to provide a safe and healing environment. LHAAMC welcomes care partners and support persons in all areas 24/7, with the exception in Behavioral Health and Clatanoff.All care partners and support persons will be required to wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. Patients and visitors who prefer to wear a mask while in our facility may do so. Patients may also request that their care team wear masks.As a patient- and family-centered organization, we will continue to review and update our visitation guidelines and practices as the situation changes. At Luminis Health, our Patient and Family Advisors program allows patients, family members and community members to give input on our policies, programs and practices. These advisors work with our health care providers to support our patient- and family-centered care approach.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNational Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that Emergency Department (ED) personnel play in safeguarding our communities’ health and well-being. This year holds particular significance as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of President Ford’s establishment of EMS Week. Now more than ever, amidst unprecedented challenges, we honor the dedication of medical personnel who provide around-the-clock lifesaving services, such as first responders, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, and countless others. During Emergency Medical Services Week (May 19-25), let’s recognize the invaluable contributions of these individuals who save lives and provide critical care when every second counts. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, with more than 120 years of proud history, has one of the busiest EDs in the entire country and is one of the few hospitals in the state with a pediatric ED. With nearly 95,000 ED visits each year, it takes a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, receptionists, other hospital staff and volunteers who work tirelessly 24 hours a day to give you the care you need as quickly as possible. Knowing emergency rooms can feel frightening for young patients, we have a dedicated space with kids in mind. At our pediatrics ED, children receive tailored attention from a specialized team ready to treat their unique needs. For all patients, we use a process called triage to carefully prioritize who needs care first. Treatment is administered based on the severity of their condition, with those facing life-threatening illness or injury receiving immediate attention. This means that someone who arrives after you may receive care before you. At Luminis Health, we believe in a culture of mutual caring: We provide the best care possible in a healing environment and we always treat each other with respect and dignity. Caring for and protecting patients, families, employees, and our community, is important to us. Dealing with an emergency is stressful, particularly when waiting for care in an Emergency Department. We try to minimize this stress by initiating care in our waiting room and keeping our patients informed while waiting. Luminis Health has also made significant investments to offer more expansive care programs for mental health, substance use and domestic violence in our ED. Additionally, Maryland lawmakers recently provided funds to enhance security for staff and patients, and creating de-escalation spaces in the Pediatrics Emergency Department. During EMS Week, it’s also important to recognize the challenges some of our ED staff face from time to time. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, 2 out of 3 Emergency Department physicians reported being assaulted in 2022. One quarter of them reported being assaulted multiple times a week. That’s why Luminis Health supports the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. If enacted by Congress, the law would provide protections similar to those that exist for flight crews, flight attendants and airport workers. As we continue to improve ED wait times, we also ask for your help to ensure you receive timely care, by taking these steps: Make Sure You Bring Everything You Need for Emergency Care Your time in the Emergency Department will be more efficient if you bring essential items for your care team, such as the following: Driver’s license or identification card For individuals covered by a health insurance plan, your insurance card List of medical history, medications and allergies, primary physician, specialists Urgent Care is Another Option There are many situations in which the ED is the best place to go for care, such as life-threatening injuries or conditions. In other cases, urgent care centers are a convenient option for minor issues such as cough and cold symptoms, minor cuts, sprains and strains, etc. Telehealth Visits Are Refreshingly Easy If your situation is not a true emergency, Luminis Health offers CareConnectNow, a virtual urgent care service for ages 13 and up. We provide expert care for many conditions that need immediate, but not emergency, attention. With the availability of after-hours and weekend virtual visits, we aim to accommodate your schedule. You can also access this convenient service by calling (443) 951-4270. At Luminis Health we continue to evaluate and explore ways to ensure a positive patient experience. That is our commitment to our community. We thank you for your patience, support, and your own efforts as we strive to improve emergency care for every patient. Let us carry forward the appreciation and recognition for the unwavering dedication of our Emergency Department personnel during EMS Week and throughout the year. Authors Dr. Michael Kent, is the emergency department medical director at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Dr. Lauren Fitzpatrick, medical director of pediatrics at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center0
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 cases of gynecologic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and more than 30,000 women will die of these cancers in 2021 alone. Clearly, there’s more work to do. But we have made progress in the fight against gynecologic cancer. And one of our most valuable weapons is information. We’ve learned about lowering the risk for these cancers and how to prevent some of them. We also know more about possible signs of the cancers, something that’s important because bringing symptoms to your doctor’s attention can lead to early detection and treatment. And early treatment leads to better outcomes. That’s why we’re sharing this information with you, and hope that you’ll pass it along to others. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, making it a perfect time to learn more about gynecologic cancer, including cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Cervical Cancer One key thing to know: HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines and regular screening tests may help prevent cervical cancer. HPV vaccines protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. Vaccination is best before someone becomes sexually active, so we recommend it at age 11 or 12. You can get the vaccine through age 26 if you don’t get it earlier. In some cases, you can get it up to age 45 if you and your health care provider decide it’s right for you. What Puts You At Risk A history of multiple sex partners Giving birth to three or more children Infection with HPV, a virus transmitted during sex Smoking How To Lower Your Risk Don’t smoke Get the HPV vaccine Get screened with a Pap test and/or an HPV test Screening typically starts at age 21 with a Pap test. Your health care provider can tell you how often to get screened, which test(s) to have and when you can stop screening. Possible Symptoms Abnormal bleeding between periods or unusual vaginal discharge Bleeding after sex Pelvic pain Ovarian cancer One key thing to know: There’s no good way to screen for ovarian cancer and no known way to prevent it for most people, making recognizing possible symptoms of the disease even more important. What Puts You at Risk BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage Family history of both colon and uterine (endometrial cancer) or male breast cancer Family history of ovarian cancer in a close relative Not bearing children or having trouble getting pregnant Personal history of breast, colorectal or uterine cancer How to Lower Your Risk Breastfeed your babies Consider risk-reduction surgery if you’re at high genetic risk Give birth at least once Use birth control pills for at least five years Possible Symptoms Abdominal or back pain Bloating Constipation Eating difficulties or feeling full quickly Frequent or urgent need to urinate Pelvic pain or pressure Unusual vaginal discharge Vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause If you experience these symptoms 12 days out of the month or more, please visit your gynecologist. Uterine Cancer One key thing to know: The vast majority of women with the most common type of uterine cancer — endometrial cancer, or cancer affecting the lining of the uterus — survive because of early detection. That’s a good reason to know the symptoms. What Puts You at Risk Obesity Diabetes Estrogen hormone replacement therapy alone, without progesterone Family history of uterine, ovarian or colon cancer High blood pressure Never becoming pregnant Use of the drug tamoxifen for breast cancer, combined with the above risk factors How to Lower Your Risk Achieve or maintain a healthy weight Get regular physical activity Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels Take progesterone if you are taking estrogen for hormone replacement therapy Possible Symptoms Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause Pain during sex Persistent pelvic pain or pressure Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer One key thing to know: Getting the HPV vaccine helps protect against these rare cancers. What puts you at risk Conditions, such as HIV, that weaken the immune system Persistent infection with certain types of HPV Precancers of the vagina, vulva or cervix Smoking, if you have an HPV infection How to Lower Your Risk Get regular pelvic exams Get the HPV vaccine Stop smoking Possible Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer Abnormal bleeding Constipation, frequent urination or blood in the stool or urine Pelvic pain Vaginal discharge Possible Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer Abnormal bleeding or discharge Chronic bleeding, burning or itching of the vulva Pelvic pain, especially during urination or sex Sores, lumps, dark spots, red rash or raw areas on the vulva Talk to Your Doctor You’ve taken the first step by learning more. Next, talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk for gynecologic cancer and how to protect yourself or if you notice any concerning symptoms. Find a gynecologist at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center or Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Authors Monica Jones, MD, MS, FACS, FACG is the chair of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s services. To make an appointment with a Luminis Health gynecologic oncologist, please call 443-481-3493. Luminis Health was recently joined by Michael L. Hicks, MD, a board certified gynecologic oncologist. Dr. Hicks has a wealth of experience in gynecologic oncology.0
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast updated at 12:45 pm Friday, May 15, 2020. In order to provide our patients and community members with helpful information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve created this post to share general information as well as details specific to those seeking care at a Luminis Health facility. For the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, the following visitor restrictions are in effect: To best protect our patients and team members, no visitors, with few exceptions, will be allowed until further notice. This is a proactive measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In the few cases where visitation is allowed, it is limited to one visitor per day. Exceptions include: Critical or end-of-life care situations Laboring mother support person Caregiver of a patient 21 years of age or under Surgical patient support person Outpatient test/procedure companion Person serving as surrogate decision maker Person performing official governmental function Person serving as support person for patients with disabilities To support this safety measure, all visitors will be screened upon arrival, and must pass a health screening to enter the facility. No visitors under the age of 18 unless they are parents of hospitalized children. This policy includes infants and siblings. AAMC NICU visitors are restricted to parents only, one at a time. People experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms should not visit. Patients coming to any Luminis Health facility with respiratory symptoms must request a mask upon arrival. Visitors returning from international travel may not visit until they have been in the United States, symptom free, for 14 days. We are suspending non-essential large (10 or more people) gatherings scheduled to take place on our campuses. If you have questions about an event you are scheduled to attend, please check with your event coordinator. Because the situation is rapidly evolving, we often reference Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Maryland State Department of Health websites below for the latest information. We encourage you to visit those sites for breaking information. If I am feeling sick, should I still keep my appointment? As you know, the world is experiencing notable person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Experts estimate that the majority of people who get this virus may have mild symptoms. But it can be quite severe for members of our community with underlying health conditions. For this reason, we ask that if you have any respiratory symptoms – such as a cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or fever – that you please cancel or postpone your specialist appointment unless it is absolutely essential. We know that you may have waited or planned for this visit, so we will make it a priority to reschedule your appointment when you are feeling better. Staying home while sick is one of the most important things you can do to help during this time. All of us have to work together to reduce the chance of transmission of this (or other) respiratory viruses. If you have respiratory symptoms, please call your primary care provider’s office to be evaluated. If you have traveled recently to China, Italy, Japan, Iran or South Korea, or think you may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, please call your county health department. We appreciate your patience and consideration. Thank you for helping us keep your family, friends and neighbors healthy. What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 and what are the symptoms? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has now been detected in more than 170 countries. COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the flu, which include coughing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing. This is an emerging and evolving situation. For the most updated guidance, symptoms and information, visit the CDC website. How is COVID-19 spread? COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with each other (within six feet) through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, there have not been documented cases of transmission of COVID-19 from surfaces contaminated with the virus. However, the CDC recommends cleaning visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection to help prevent COVID-19 and other viruses in homes and community settings. Are symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults? The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults, though children who have tested positive have generally exhibited milder symptoms. The CDC says it’s unknown whether children with underlying medical conditions and special health care needs might be at higher risk, however. What are the policies for visiting family and friends in the hospital who are being treated for COVID-19? To further minimize community spread of COVID-19, we are not permitting visitors for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. For those patients, we can set up other means of communication for loved ones – FaceTime, phone calls, etc. I am scheduled for a surgery or procedure at a Luminis Health hospital – should I reschedule my appointment? As of March 18, 2020, we started limiting surgeries and procedures to emergencies or urgent cases only. This measure is now in effect until further notice. We are contacting patients directly. I have an appointment scheduled with my primary care provider or specialist – should I reschedule my appointment? In line with other measures taken to protect our staff and patients, and limit the transmission of COVID-19, starting March 24, 2020 until further notice, we will limit all outpatient in-office appointments to urgent patients requiring a physical exam only. We’ll shift all other routine visits to telemedicine visits or we’ll reschedule. Offices will remain open to staff, but not the public. This way we can continue to receive calls, triage the needs of patients and providers, and answer all requests and messages from patient portals. Our staff is already hard at work putting these measures in place. Is my Energize fitness class still scheduled? For the health and safety of all of our fitness fanatics, we are cancelling our Energize fitness classes for now. We encourage safe, outdoor exercise as the weather gets warmer. For our moms-to-be, check out our guide to safe exercise during pregnancy. I am currently in the cardiac rehabilitation program – should I still go in? For the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community, AAMC’s Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program will be cancelled for the time being. For updates, please call 443-481-1929. What if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19 and want testing? If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – with or without recent travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran – please call your health care provider to see if further screening is necessary before you arrive at one of our locations. By calling in advance, your provider can take your health history over the phone and, if needed, work with the appropriate state officials to determine if you require testing. In most cases, outpatient management with self-isolation at home is the best way to manage COVID-19 symptoms. When should I go to the Emergency Department? Only patients with fever, cough or shortness of breath and symptoms such as rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, high or very low temperatures, confusion, trouble breathing or severe dehydration should seek medical care in the ED. Call ahead to tell the ED that you are coming so we can be prepared for your arrival. If I am a high-risk individual, how should I protect myself? In order to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, we recommend taking several precautions. You can learn more here. How does COVID-19 impact your pregnancy and baby? As with many other things, your immune system changes during pregnancy. This is normal, but it can increase your risk for contracting viruses and developing complications. Unfortunately, little is known about COVID-19’s effect on pregnant women and infants. Based on experiences from other coronaviruses, pregnant women may be at higher risk of severe respiratory illness, morbidity, or death as compared with the general population. It is important to understand that, so far, COVID-19 has not been detected in either amniotic fluid or breast milk. However, it is too early to determine long-term effects on infants born to women who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy. Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at Anne Arundel Medical Center? Yes, our visitor restrictions are in place for the safety of patients, visitors and staff, including parents-to-be. We continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the Department of Health. Check out these frequently asked questions about giving birth during this pandemic, and our answers. Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn? It is unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her baby through pregnancy and delivery. According to the CDC, no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus. How is Luminis Health prepared for COVID-19 in our community? We are prepared and ready to care for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our clinical teams have been trained on how to identify, isolate and care for patients with this and other contagious illnesses. We have protocols and systems in place to keep patients, visitors and health care workers safe, and we work closely with the CDC and local and state departments of health to implement their guidance into our established protocols. Are there any people with COVID-19 in our community? Yes, there are confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland. Please check with the Maryland State Department of Health and your local department of health for the latest information and alerts. How do I keep myself and my family safe? The CDC released a step-by-step guide about how households should handle a potential outbreak of coronavirus in their community. The CDC also recommends the below everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Note: These tips were adapted from CDC prevention tips. Learn more about how and when to use medical masks from the Journal of the American Medical Association:0
- Community, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEvery May we honor a special holiday to celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of women in society. To celebrate all the wonderful women in our community and beyond, we asked some AAMC employees to share the biggest lessons they still carry from the women who have inspired them. Here’s what they had to say: Chad M. Patton, MD, orthopedic surgeon: “My mother taught me that kindness, patience and listening to others goes a long way. My brothers and I are all physicians, and these lessons undoubtedly influence our approach to patient care.” Jennifer Brady, MD, cardiologist: “I learned from my mom at an early age that while receiving a gift gives instant gratification, the euphoria is short-lived. On the other hand, giving a gift provides a sense of satisfaction that remains for a long time and shapes how we feel about ourselves. My mom needed to draw upon her strengths when at the age of 45 she was diagnosed with a large tumor, which required extensive surgery. The courageous way she endured the arduous process gave me a perspective that has been extremely helpful as a clinician. I am grateful every day to my mom for being such an incredible role-model.” Kwasi Sharif, MD, pain management physician: “As a registered dietitian nutritionist, my mom has instilled in me the values of healthy eating and exercise. My habits today include exercising at least three times a week and obtaining at least seven hours of sleep each day.” Joseph Morris, MD, OB-GYN hospitalist: “I lost my dad when I was 12. My mom raised three boys, ages 12, 15 and 17, by herself. All of us went on to become physicians in large part from the lessons we learned from her. One lesson in particular that I remember is that if you want a good friend, be 75 percent of the friend.” Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, pediatrician: “The piece of advice that I learned from my mother is always stand up for what is right, even if it is not the popular opinion. Growing up, my mother regularly reminded me to do the right things and not to worry about whether I was liked by others because of it. Those who respected me for doing the right thing were the ones I would want to surround myself with. As a pediatrician, taking care of children can be difficult some days, but doing the right thing for them is always worth it.” Jo Deaton, senior director, behavioral health: “One of the most influential people in my life has been my friend of 45 years, Donna. We met our first year of college, where I was an unhappy psychology major. Donna was pre-nursing and told me all about nursing. I had never considered that as a career but as I began to investigate, becoming a psychiatric nurse seemed like a good fit. I was 18 years old and Donna was a 26-year-old newly divorced, single mom of three young children. Donna has shown me that if you have a clear goal, you can achieve it regardless of your external circumstances.” Kay Hoskey, MD, urogynecologist: “As a retired nurse, my mother taught me the value of human connection, the magic of a smile and the importance of understanding a person’s story. It is not always easy to walk in some else’s shoes. Still, these lessons have helped me to connect with friends, patients and strangers alike.” Lil Banchero, RN, senior director, Institute for Healthy Aging: “I had the wonderful privilege of having two very strong loving females in my life, my dearest gram and my mom. Both smart and brave. I come from a family of four girls, so these two women really were strong advocates for our ability as women to do whatever we wanted. Over the years, they taught me many things. Be yourself. Do your best. Say please and thank you. Keep your word. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be independent. Be kind, compassionate and loyal. Do not hold hate in your heart. These are just a few of the many other lessons they taught me that have shaped me as a mother and nurse leader.” Heather Keats, OTR/L, occupational therapist: “Watching my mother as I was growing up, I learned to work hard and take full advantage of opportunities given to me. As a result, I am able to see the value in putting in the hard work now for the future pay off. This lesson carries over to all aspects of my life including relationships, health and career.” READ MORE: 6 ways to support a new mom0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
Go to MyChart
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?