Maryland is home to 72+ hospitals offering world-class medical care, led by Johns Hopkins Hospital—consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the United States and #1 globally for multiple specialties. The state's two Level I trauma centers, including the legendary R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, provide 24/7 emergency care for the most critical injuries. Major health systems including Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and Luminis Health serve millions of patients annually across Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, and communities throughout Maryland.
Maryland hospitals consistently earn recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and other national rating organizations for excellence in patient care, medical outcomes, and specialized treatment programs.
📍 Location: Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 955-0100
🏥 Type: Academic Medical Center, Level I Trauma
Johns Hopkins Hospital is ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the United States for 33 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. The only hospital in Maryland on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, Johns Hopkins excels in 15 adult specialties with rheumatology ranked #1 nationally for 21 consecutive years. Additional top rankings include psychiatry (#2), ophthalmology (#3), ENT (#5), neurology (#5), and 10 pediatric specialties. Over 1.3 million patients receive care annually.
📍 Location: Downtown Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 528-5000
🏥 Type: Academic Medical Center, Level I Trauma
University of Maryland Medical Center is recognized nationally for excellence in cancer care and ear, nose & throat (ENT) treatment. The flagship campus of the University of Maryland Medical System, it operates R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center—Maryland's only Primary Adult Resource Center for trauma. UMMC provides comprehensive services across 650+ beds with specialty programs in cardiovascular care, orthopedics, women's services, and burn care. Serves as teaching hospital for University of Maryland School of Medicine.
📍 Location: Baltimore (UMMC campus)
📞 Phone: (410) 528-5000
🏥 Type: Primary Adult Resource Center
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center is Maryland's most advanced trauma facility and the world's first fully integrated trauma center, earning designation as Primary Adult Resource Center—above Level I status. Named after trauma pioneer R. Adams Cowley, it provides comprehensive care for multi-system trauma, severe burns, and critical injuries. With 24/7 on-site specialty surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care teams, the center handles the state's most complex trauma cases. Pioneering protocols have made Maryland's trauma system a national model.
📍 Location: 8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda
📞 Phone: (301) 896-6100
🏥 Type: Community Teaching Hospital
Suburban Hospital is a Johns Hopkins Medicine affiliate serving Montgomery County since 1943. Ranked among Maryland's best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, it provides comprehensive acute care with 335 beds. Features Level II trauma designation with 24/7 emergency services. Specialties include cardiovascular care, orthopedics, oncology, and women's services. The hospital serves as trauma center for Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
📍 Location: Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 554-4000
🏥 Type: Community Hospital
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is one of Maryland's largest community hospitals with 373 beds. Part of MedStar Health network, it provides comprehensive emergency, surgical, and specialty care. Features Level II trauma center designation with 24/7 emergency department. Specialties include cardiovascular care, orthopedic surgery, cancer treatment, and women's health services serving Baltimore and surrounding communities.
📍 Location: Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 550-7000
🏥 Type: Academic Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center is a 375-bed academic medical center part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Provides comprehensive patient care with 24/7 emergency services and Level II trauma designation. Specializes in geriatric medicine, infectious disease, trauma, and rehabilitation services. Features long-term acute care capabilities and extensive rehabilitation programs serving Baltimore and Eastern Maryland.
Maryland's healthcare is anchored by four major health systems operating multiple hospitals and specialty centers across the state:
Maryland Hospitals:
Johns Hopkins Medicine is the leading healthcare provider in Maryland with six academic and community hospitals. Founded in 1889, Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered modern American medicine and maintains top-5 national rankings across 33 years.
Learn MoreMaryland Hospitals:
UMMS operates 12+ hospitals and 150+ locations with 29,500+ employees. The system is recognized nationally for cancer care, ENT, and trauma services through its R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
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MedStar Health is the leading healthcare provider in the Mid-Atlantic region with 10 hospitals across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Strong partnership with Georgetown University School of Medicine for medical education.
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Luminis Health is a nonprofit regional health system providing comprehensive care to central and southern Maryland. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024-2025 Best Hospital. Emphasis on community health and patient-centered care.
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LifeBridge Health serves the Baltimore metro area with emphasis on community care and specialty services. Operates Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai for pediatric services.
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UPMC Western Maryland provides comprehensive healthcare to western Maryland communities with specialty care and emergency services.
Learn MoreBaltimore is home to Maryland's most prestigious hospitals, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center. The Baltimore metro area is served by 15+ hospitals providing comprehensive acute care, specialty services, trauma care, and pediatric services.
Maryland's hospitals are strategically located throughout the state to serve urban, suburban, and rural communities. Below is a comprehensive breakdown by major cities and regions:
Maryland operates a tiered trauma system ensuring rapid access to appropriate emergency care. The state's two Level I trauma centers—R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital—are available 24/7 for the most critical injuries.
Highest level of trauma care with 24/7 attending surgeons, anesthesiologists, and comprehensive critical care facilities.
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore | (410) 528-5000
Maryland's Primary Adult Resource Center—above Level I status. World's first fully integrated trauma center.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
1601 W. Harbor View St., Baltimore | (410) 955-0100
Level I adult trauma with dedicated trauma ICU and on-site surgical teams.
Secondary and tertiary trauma facilities providing 24/7 emergency surgery and critical care for regional trauma cases.
Level II Trauma Centers:
Pediatric Trauma:
24/7 Emergency Services:
All major hospitals provide round-the-clock emergency departments with trauma teams on standby.
Maryland operates several specialized pediatric facilities providing comprehensive care for children with acute and chronic health conditions, requiring pediatric-specific expertise and facilities.
📍 Location: 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 955-3000
🏥 Type: Pediatric Level I Trauma
Maryland's largest children's hospital providing care to 100,000+ children annually. Features 37+ pediatric specialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma care. State-designated pediatric trauma center with dedicated burn unit. Emergency department and inpatient services exclusively for children and adolescents.
📍 Location: Baltimore (UMMC campus)
📞 Phone: (410) 528-5000
🏥 Type: Pediatric Specialty Hospital
Nationally ranked in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery. 20+ specialty areas with outpatient locations across Maryland. Features innovative treatment programs in cancer care, neurology, and complex condition management. Teaching hospital affiliated with University of Maryland School of Medicine.
📍 Location: 1901 W. Hamburg Pike, Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 578-9000
🏥 Type: Long-Term Pediatric Care
102-bed specialized facility providing long-term care for children with complex, chronic health problems. Serves children with respiratory dependencies, developmental delays, and complex medical conditions. Rehabilitation and educational services integrated with medical care.
📍 Location: 2401 W. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 601-9000
🏥 Type: Pediatric Specialty Hospital
Specializes in pediatric cancer, neurologic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes care. Part of LifeBridge Health system serving children throughout Maryland. Features family-centered care model with dedicated pediatric emergency services.
📍 Location: Baltimore
📞 Phone: (410) 955-6400
🏥 Type: Pediatric Rehabilitation
Nationally ranked pediatric rehabilitation facility specializing in developmental disabilities and rehabilitation medicine. Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, orthopedic injuries, and rehabilitation needs.
Academic Medical Centers:
All teaching hospitals provide clinical training for medical students, residents, and fellows in multiple specialties.
Maryland's comprehensive hospital network includes 72+ facilities across the state, from major academic medical centers to specialized pediatric facilities and regional hospitals. This complete directory ensures access to appropriate care regardless of location.
Maryland operates a network of regional and rural hospitals serving communities throughout the state. These facilities provide essential acute care, emergency services, and specialty care in areas outside major metropolitan centers.
Serves 5-county Eastern Shore region: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot counties. Population: 170,000+
Serves Allegany and Garrett counties in Western Maryland with comprehensive healthcare services.
Serves Harford County and surrounding Northern Maryland communities.
Serves Charles County and Southern Maryland communities with comprehensive hospital services.
Maryland hospitals provide extensive specialty services and programs for specific medical conditions. These specialized centers of excellence attract patients from throughout the region for advanced, focused care.
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is ranked the #1 hospital in Maryland by U.S. News & World Report and is the only Maryland hospital on the national Best Hospitals Honor Roll. Johns Hopkins has maintained top-5 national rankings for 33 consecutive years and is recognized globally for excellence across 15 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. The hospital pioneered modern American medicine and continues to lead in medical research and patient care innovation.
Maryland has two Level I trauma centers: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore) and Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore). R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center is designated as Maryland's Primary Adult Resource Center—above Level I status—and was the world's first fully integrated trauma center. Both centers operate 24/7 with attending surgeons, anesthesiologists, and comprehensive critical care teams. For pediatric trauma, Johns Hopkins Children's Center is designated as a Level I pediatric trauma center.
Maryland's major hospital systems each have strengths: Johns Hopkins Medicine is ranked #1 for specialty care and research; University of Maryland Medical System excels in cancer care, ENT, and trauma (R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center); MedStar Health operates the largest network serving Maryland, DC, and Virginia; Luminis Health focuses on community-centered care. Choose based on your insurance network, proximity to home, and needed specialty services. For trauma emergencies, go to the nearest hospital.
Most Maryland hospitals accept Medicare, Medicaid, and major private insurance plans. However, network status varies by plan and hospital. Before scheduled treatment, verify coverage with your insurance company and confirm the hospital participates in your plan. For emergency care, all hospitals must provide treatment regardless of insurance status under EMTALA law. If uninsured or underinsured, ask the hospital about financial assistance programs and charity care options.
Maryland operates five major pediatric facilities: Johns Hopkins Children's Center (Baltimore) is Maryland's largest children's hospital with 37 specialties and 100,000+ annual pediatric patients; UM Golisano Children's Hospital (Baltimore) is nationally ranked in pediatric cardiology; Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (Baltimore) specializes in long-term care for complex conditions; Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai (Baltimore) focuses on pediatric cancer and chronic illness; Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore) provides pediatric rehabilitation. All provide specialized pediatric emergency care.
Always call 911 for serious injuries or trauma. Emergency Medical Services will transport you to the most appropriate trauma center based on injury severity and location. Maryland's TraumaNET system ensures rapid assessment and transport to Level I, Level II, or other appropriate trauma centers. Do not self-transport for serious injuries—call 911 so trained paramedics can provide emergency care en route and ensure proper hospital selection.
For life-threatening emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, major trauma), call 911 immediately. For less urgent injuries or illnesses, visit an urgent care center or your primary care physician's office.
Maryland hospitals excel in multiple specialties: Johns Hopkins Hospital ranks nationally in rheumatology (#1), psychiatry (#2), ophthalmology (#3), ENT, neurology, and pediatric specialties; University of Maryland Medical Center is nationally ranked in cancer care and ENT and operates Maryland's premier trauma center (R Adams Cowley); Johns Hopkins Children's Center provides 37+ pediatric specialties with national rankings in cardiology and research; Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins affiliate) excels in cardiovascular and orthopedic care. Maryland overall is a national leader in medical research, education, and specialized treatment.
Maryland operates 72+ hospitals including acute care hospitals, teaching hospitals, specialty hospitals, and regional medical centers. These hospitals range from small rural hospitals serving 5,000-10,000 residents to large academic medical centers with 1,200+ beds. The state is served by six major health systems: Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, Luminis Health, LifeBridge Health, and UPMC Western Maryland. Together, Maryland's hospitals provide comprehensive healthcare to the state's 6.2 million residents and millions of visitors annually.
Yes, Maryland hospitals increasingly offer telemedicine and virtual care options. Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, and MedStar Health all provide virtual visits for routine care, specialist consultations, and follow-ups. Virtual care is available for non-emergency conditions and initial consultations. Costs vary by hospital and insurance coverage. Contact your hospital or healthcare provider to ask about virtual visit availability for your specific healthcare needs. Emergency care and complex medical issues requiring physical examination generally require in-person visits.
Most Maryland hospitals provide physician directories on their websites. You can search by specialty, location, insurance accepted, and other criteria. Johns Hopkins Medicine Physician Directory: hopkinsmedicine.org | UMMS Physician Finder: umms.org | MedStar Health Physician Finder: medstarhealth.org. For existing patients, your primary care physician can provide specialist referrals. Your insurance company may also provide lists of in-network specialists. Most hospitals maintain updated physician directories and can assist with finding appropriate doctors for your health needs.
Last updated on November 24, 2025