Just a shout-out to the Emergency Room at Johns Hopkins Howard County. A friend had been coughing on and off. Then nearly fainted! So we masked-up and zipped over, late afternoon on a weekend. The ER staff were quick! Interview, admitting, getting an exam. The longest wait was for test results. It was an early-stage of pneumonia! Not contagious. A couple of antibiotics ought to knock it back. Johns Hopkins Howard County Emergency Room addressed the situation immediately and professionally. I just thought that's worth putting out there. read more

I had a medical emergency in October and was brought here by ambulance and led me to a 3 day/ 2 night stay. Going to the ER is never on my bingo card because, well... "those people are sick." That said, I arrived chauffeured, no less--and due to my route and symptoms, I bypassed the waiting room (won't He do it). Unlike an experience I had nine years ago, the ER staff this time were respectful, attentive, and genuinely kind--as were the staff on the observation floor. I was transported by wheelchair, and to humor myself, I asked them to pretend it was a sightseeing tour. They playfully obliged, which immediately set the tone. After a substantial dose of saline, I was alert enough to give a full history and explain my symptoms. Let me be clear: the staff did all the things. Their assessments, questions, testing, and care plan were appropriate and thorough. When physicians came in, I shared my fears and theories--and more than once, they responded with, "Yes, we thought the same," followed by a clear explanation of what had already been ordered, what was being rechecked, and what the next steps would be depending on the results. I could ask why something was being done, and they took the time to explain their clinical reasoning. I was genuinely impressed. The team functioned like a well-oiled machine--communicating seamlessly with one another across departments. Everything was clear, both verbally and in writing. What needs to be said--because it should be baseline and standard, yet so often is not--is that my humanity was respected. My symptoms were taken seriously. I was handled with care and dignity by everyone. I did not feel like a burden for having needs while sick. In fact, I rarely had to ask for anything because the staff anticipated my needs based on what I was actively battling. It felt very much like Chick-fil-A-level service: "my pleasure," "as you wish," and "we put extra napkins and a hand wipe in your bag because you might need it." I was seen. My nervous system was calmed by their presence and professionalism. The event that brought me there was scary enough--their care made it less so. Every department. Every role. Superior. It's evident that significant positive changes have occurred since Johns Hopkins took over. My prior experience here during a gallbladder attack years ago was the opposite--I was treated rudely and assumed to be drug-seeking. I left then with a diagnosis but no root cause and no real plan. This time, I received thorough, accurate care, a post-discharge plan, and everything was handled efficiently and respectfully. This is exactly how a hospital should be run: effective, efficient, thorough, communicative, respectful, and truly team-based. My only grievance is that despite living less than a quarter mile away, this hospital is now out of network due to UnitedHealthcare not reaching an agreement with Hopkins. That leaves me with astronomical bills--but exceptional, safe, respectful care. And honestly? I'll take it. read more

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I would always recommend this Hospital to Family and Friends. They always provide excellent care. I was hospitalized on 6/11/26-6/14/26 and I received excellent care. The Doctors, Nurses, Tech were truly Amazing, very knowledgeable and professional. read more

Why do I keep coming to this place?? Pros: Bloods+scan were done lightening fast. BUT they did a "treat and street". Never found root cause and didn't care. Now it's up to me and my awesome Internist read more

Dr. Hassab was a fantastic surgeon. He spent time with me prior to my surgery to answer all of my questions. My surgery was very smooth and healed ahead of schedule. I would absolutely use him again if the need arises. All of the staff and medical associates were wonderful and responded to my questions quickly. read more

It was slow. Less than ten patients here on a Saturday at 4 pm but still it took 5 hours plus to be seen by a doctor. Thought about driving to Baltimore but I remembered the last time. There's got to be a way for patients to be seen more promptly. These long waits sitting in the emergency rooms next to other people who are more contagious then others has to stop. "Help"....As always some of the first line employees were great. Others omg. read more

I have been to the emergency room many times, too many if you ask me. This visit however angered me due to the nonchalance , ignorance and overall lack of empathy. One nurse even after I corrected her twice, kept calling me out of my name. People in pain and the intake department was Kee Keeing , having a good ole time at work talking about what ratchet activities they participated in. There was one nice nurse, foreign had a Russian accent. She actually gave a damn. I am glad that I don't live in that area , if I had a for real emergency, I would probably die. They are just that incompetent. read more

Empathy in the ER is nonexistent. You're put into an ER bed and forgotten about. I believe the ER is seriously understaffed and overwhelmed. You don't see a Nurse for a very long time. No call bell is given or a blanket or pillow. Simple things, you would think. My husband waited 48 hours before he was moved to the second floor. Once he got to his room, it was like we entered a totally different world. The staff was excellent and he was treated very well. read more

I am currently a patient here and I'm on the observation unit. I just have to say how awesome the staff are here specifically Marcia. I don't have her last name but I hope she sees this. She has helped make this stay so much easier. She has a a wonderful demeanor and bedside manor. She knows what I need with me having to ask. I hope she gets to see this! Thanks for every thing Marcia read more

Why?? In an affluent county why is our hospital so awful. My son came in sever pain (think he pinched a nerve in his neck) nurse came to take him to xray his hand. No it's his neck in pain, nothing wrong at all w hand. Waited over 6 hours to see a doctor. Truly terrible. It's 3:00am hardly anyone here. Why do we need to wait so long?? read more

this hospital is a true joke they are very rude and dont care about you being in pain. I sat in the waiting room for 9 hours and everyone that came after me left . While I was in pain from a gallbladder. Numerous times I've asked While the reply is you'll be here for atleast 9 hrs truly this is ridiculous. Dont come here ! read more

Zero Stars! This place is unprofessional and straight trash. They could learn a few things from Caroll Hospital Center in Caroll County Md. The technician that draws blood is nasty. The front desk... No hospitality whatsoever and no patience for patients. Do they not have a lead nurse for the ER desk? Everyone is on the phone texting or chatting. The guard at the front is lazy and practically laying in the chair. read more

Johns Hopkins Howard County - This wet floor sign was knocked down by an angry patient in-front of staff as she left and 4 hours later it's still on the ground. - Hospitals Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I was seen on 2.27.2025 at the Emergency Department. I arrived around noon and it was packed. My only complaint was I didn't notice anyone maintaining the cleanliness of the busy ED area. The triage nurses, student nurse, and the techs were outstanding. They really listened to my concerns and were extremely patient and polite. I haven't been to an ED in years and wasn't aware that text messages are sent to provide patients with what's next so you aren't wondering or feel forgotten. Once all of my test results were in I was escorted to an area to see a doctor. My doctor was Jeffrey Leiter MD. Dr. Leiter was kind, patient, and attentive to my concerns. He explained his thought process and my anxiety level certainly went down. The nurse that assisted me was Opeyemi Olawuyi RN, a very new nurse. She was just a breath of fresh air. Nurse Olawuyi went over the paperwork with me, asked if I had any remaining questions and gently removed the IV line. No one wants to go to an ED, but if you are in Howard County I hope and pray your visit is as painless, smooth, and informative as my visit and KUDOS to Dr. Leiter and Nurse Olawuyi! read more

Our daughter has been to the ER four times for issues related to vomiting and nausea for the last three months. The doctors gave her medication in very large pill form AFTER being told that she could hardly drink water without throwing up. ER staff is either extremely unprofessional or driven to the edge of exhaustion. The attitudes in the ER of the staff is really, really bad. Rudeness and poor attitudes are the norm. Local doctors are almost impossible to schedule in a reasonable time-frame of a couple of days or so. Patient First is not equipped to handle things like this. So much for Johns Hopkins quality... read more

Worst experience ever. They took my blood within 45 minutes of me getting there, but it took the Dr. 9 hours to see me and released me in 10 minutes. NEVER AGAIN! read more

My husband was admitted to the SCU ( special care unit) and received excellent care. His nurse, Naa and student nurse, Ayo, were personable as well as attentive. Thanks to an amazing staff of medical professionals. read more

I have three friends with cardiac issues and all three of them had bad outcomes at Cardiac Cath Lab. They all are thinking about taking legal actions. Go to the tertiary care hospital if you suspect heart disease. read more

The metal detector was the 1st red flag... This ER is a scary place. Filthy....absolutely filthy! Trash everywhere, vomit bag in chair, and used tissue scattered around. Let's not forget about the service. Ok... let's forget about it. After waiting 5 hours to be seen, and then having someone come out and tell everyone the hospital is full to capacity and be patient, was the final straw. My son, who was complaining of chest pains, blurred vision and slurred speech, decided to leave. Yeah, we left and took a chance that he'd be OK. Came home, called doctor's office (after hours), and was able to get an appointment a day later. I'm so happy it wasn't a serious problem. read more

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My husband ruptured his Achilles tendon. After Googling reviews of the two closest ERs: St. Agnes (rated 3.6) and Howard Co. General (1.8) the Johns Hopkins affiliation at HCG won out. That was a mistake. We've been getting most of our care at Hopkins, and it has largely ranged from good to exceptional. Not HCG. I do not believe that this ER meets Johns Hopkins standards, and it needs a complete overhaul. We expected a long wait, even on a Tuesday evening, so the 6 hours start to finish doesn't even play a role in our rating. What does? 1). Poor communication. Between the unnecessary-for-a-soft-tissue-injury (but billable!) X-rays and the several hours in the waiting room, we weren't told what the next steps were, nor did my husband get any pain relief for 5 hours. 2). Lack of professionalism. The intake station staff were having loud conversations, including profanity. At no point during the 6 hours was it possible to find a working wheelchair with a leg support, so my husband had to sit in an uncomfortable transport chair, which a volunteer thoughtfully tried (unsuccessfully) to jerry rig. 3). Uncoordinated systems. At intake, my husband was asked to sign two forms, one for permission to treat. Two or three hours later, a staff member came to my husband's side and asked him to sign...a permission to treat form. Why? Once we finally were taken back to the treatment room, another patient was brought back at the same time. The three of us were squeezed into half of a curtain-divided room so tiny that we had to ask a staff member to help us fit my husband in it. Meanwhile, the other patient and support person were placed in a room three times the size. 4). Staff did not have the necessary expertise. The PA we saw was nice, but authoritatively made several statements that turned out to be incorrect: "You can still move your foot a little bit, so it isn't a complete rupture.". Wrong. The Orthopedic Surgeon we saw the next morning had my husband lie on his belly on an exam table and showed us how on his good leg, pressing his calf muscle made his foot move. On the injured leg? Zero movement: a complete rupture. (We did not see any exam tables in this ER). "You have to have an MRI to determine if the injury is partial or complete." Wrong. An MRI just delays care. "It doesn't matter how long it takes until a rupture is repaired; it can be done at any time." Wrong. Per the Orthopedic Surgeon, repairs done within 2 weeks of an injury have the best chance for a good outcome. 5). Safety concerns. My husband needed crutches, since the slightest touch to his injured leg was excruciating. The staff brought him a pair, which was very helpful (I can't imagine where else we would have found them at midnight). But, while "teaching him how to use them," not one of the staff was standing anywhere near him when he was trying to sit down in a chair, and he fell hard on the floor and hit his shoulder on a fire extinguisher. The Ortho tech the next morning adjusted the crutches to the correct height so he was't stooped over and could balance better. Shouldn't ER staff know how to adjust crutches correctly? Incidentally, when I described our experience to two local friends, both agreed that the PEDIATRIC ER was excellent, but the adult one was chaos. One visited for a possible heart attack and left unseen after an 8-hour wait. The other had debilitating back pain and was treated like a drug seeker. I truly hope that Johns Hopkins will send in some observers to whip this ER into shape. Howard County residents deserve to have access to an ER as superlative as their downtown location--and this one in its current state is damaging the Johns Hopkins brand and may be endangering lives. read more

Absolutely the most uncaring and incompetent medical "professionals" I have ever encountered. I strongly recommend you seek service elsewhere for care that equites more than three days of attention. I had to record a one star rating which is generous. read more

In the ER the EKG tech was very rude and abrasive. As I attempted to sit back in the chair she put her hand on my shoulder and I didn't want to be assisted so I grabbed her arm/hand to stop her, she immediately lashed out at me not to touch her. My intention was to stop her from assisting me, as I was in pain. Very unprofessional and she had her ID tag turned face down so I couldn't read her name. B. Thomas read more

Wow! Cant believe the wait is like 5hrs or more at Emergency Room, Not to mention even if you were dropped by an ambulance!!! How ridicoulous... I like the idea of Howard county hospital as it is "howard County" they should at least try to keep up and at least check if their patient is still alive or in pain:( read more

Wish 0 stars was an option. My father was admitted to the ER on Monday at 10:43 pm and was not placed in a standard room until Wednesday around dinner time. During his stay in the ER, he was in a room with 4 walls, a bed (no blanket or pillow), a chair and trash can. He literally stared at 4 empty walls for nearly 48 hours, with no staff checking on him except for the very rare occasion. He became depressed and desperate. On Tuesday, he was served breakfast and never checked on again. He was not offered lunch, dinner or a chance to use the bathroom! He had to call me and ask for my assistance to call for help because no one checked on him and he didn't know where the call button was. I had to call on his behalf (85 year old man) and demand that at least give him a meal. This is inexcusable and neglectful in my opinion! While there is no doubt in my mind that the staff was overwhelmed by the volume of patients in rooms and in the hallways, at the very least you have to check on a person more than once a day and make sure they get 3 meals. The care, and room, were better on Wednesday after he was moved to a standard room but even then we had to advocate for things that the nurses and doctors should have already considered and provided, such as an opportunity to get out of bed and move around after being immobile for 48 hours, and a spirometer to help stave off pneumonia for a patient with RSV. Once I requested these things, they happened but I'm not a doctor and should not have to be the one "ordering" this. read more

I went to the ER with severe pain and thought i was having a heart attack. The pain was so bad I could barely walk. The security guard got me a wheelchair and the nurses in reg and triage got me seen very quickly. The ER was very busy but I was treated with respect and compassion. I ended up admitted for 3 days and I cannot say enough good things about the nursing staff. Overall this was a good experience and I am an apprehensive patient. Waiting happens but I became prioritized because of my symptoms. I am glad I went. read more

I have been here many times over the last few decades, it used to be top notch for a community hospital. But now..... Dr Douchenozzle dx'ed with terminal illness..... by emailing me. I get that ER Docs don't have to make such terrible diagnoses in the ED too often, but come on! Now I'm here with complications from the disease and I had a room in ED but lost it, and now have to stay in noisy crowded hallway, and I'm betting there are very few other terminal patients here. and I have to sneak in my own insulin bc they refuse to give me any within hours of when I've eaten! complete lack of regard for patient safety and compassion. The food is decent. read more

If you have a pediatric emergency, keep driving! We arrived at 6:45pm after our five year old got something in her eye, were promptly processed at the main intake then directed to the pediatric waiting room. One couple with an infant arrived just before us. Over the next 2+ hours, another 5 or 6 families joined until the waiting room was relatively full. Maybe 45-60 minutes into the "visit" we were processed by the pediatric intake nurse with vitals taken before going back to the waiting room. At 9pm, no one had been seen by a physician! Every family that had arrived was still waiting including the one family that arrived before us. No explanation was provided, no apology, just some guy who buzzed through around 8:45pm for a signature on the payment form. Unless there was a tragic school bus accident that I missed in the news, HoCo General is just a poorly staffed, poorly managed excuse for an emergency room where Johns Hopkins should be ashamed of the affiliation. For any severe emergency, we wilk drive downtown to the real John Hopkins, Anything else, urgent care where there is an actual sense of urgency! read more

This hospital used to be high quality and now it's gone way down hill! Currently in the pediatric ER with my daughter who is having some pretty severe symptoms. Got here at 4:46pm and still have not even gotten in the back yet, we have been waiting in the pediatric waiting room for 4 hours! This is insanity. read more

To be considered one of the wealthiest, and best places to live in America or the state. Howard Counties Hospital is an absolute embarrassment and a travesty. This county desperately needs another hospital and ER. Priorities go to schools and libraries. Plenty of room and way more population in this county than the hospital can support. read more

I had a serious chest pain and all they did was to waste my time I wasn't given no medications to help with the pain after being there for over 3hrs. Felt like my heart was being hit with a hammer for every step I took going from one examination to the other Eventually I left on the 5th hour and went to an urgent care. read more

Horrible! Waited in a DIRTY emergency room for 6 hours to not even be seen by a doctor to tell us the results of tests were clear. No further explanation as to why my husband was in excruciating pain. Offered to do further testing if we wanted to stick around for a few more hours. read more

No sense of urgency among staff even where patient lives are concerned. Nurses ignore patients and are downright rude and mean. There are some wonderful stand out nurses but too many are unprofessional, so that tells me those in charge don't cultivate a caring and professional environment. read more

Had the pleasure of staying in hospital due to a doctors incompetence. & almost causing my death !! So Had to be in Intensive care after an emergency operation, she stitched me so tight my bowel ruptured( DONT USE!!! John Hopkins medical next to door to hospital horrendous service) I was blamed my doctor for ruptured ( Asian specialist fibroids surgery) wanted to remove my entire healthy uterus!!!!!!!! They hospital could have cared less I wasn't able to care for myself n only had just walked the day before they discharged me .. read more

People don't know how good we have it here. Go to another county and see how most hospitals perform

Labor and Delivery Review: Delivered via Csection recently. Loved the experience. The nurses there are beyond amazing. Only complaint is I didn't love my anesthesiologist (he didn't seem to pay attention or listen) almost felt like I was bothering him. Or the food. Its terrible and the service timeliness isn't great. If it wasn't a pandemic we would have gotten takeway.... But seriously the nurses are amazing and so was the lactation consultants minus a much older one who barked orders at me. Listen lady I am stressed out enough. Maybe she had a rough day. Anyway we only dealt with her once then just waited for anyone else's shift. Overall awesome experience minus those things. read more

You will die if you go to this nasty hospital. I live in Columbia Md and I avoid this place. You will die just by waiting for 10 to 18 hours. The security guards think they are the police which they are not. The nurses not all of them but the ones with the over seas accent are horrible and rude! I pray that nothing happens to me or my family. In less than 11 months this 26 year resident will be moving my entire family out of Howard County! Don't believe the reviews they are probably paid for. Don't waste your insurance go to University of Maryland they have a wonderful urgent care on rt 108. In and out with blood and xray results and diagnosis with discharge papers within 38 minutes from arriving. God bless you all. Thank you for reading. 1 read more

Been waiting in the ER for 12 hrs now. I thought I was having a mini stroke, blurred vision, headache, left side of my face felt a little strange. There were people here that got fed up and left because of the wait. We are told there are not enough beds available. The US pays more per person for health care than any country in the world. Howard county and the state of Maryland have some of the highest taxes in the US. This is inexcusable. Build another hospital or greatly expand. Howard county needs two hospitals. They actually came out into the waiting room to ask if anyone could give up their wheel chair because they ran out. They ran out of chairs in the waiting room and had to get more. The nurses are very nice, and are doing the best they can, but there is only so much they can do. There was a news article today listing the longest ER waits by state. MD was the worst. I got much faster ER care in Kansas City and even in New Mexico of all places. read more

Went to ER and was cared for immediately. Nurses were fast, courteous, caring, and did everything well. The wait was better than expected. I did not have a life threatening situation. I would go back with no problem. read more

The process is really horrible, but the care staff from beginning to end are ALL stellar. Now if the hospital could just get their process in line starting from confirming surgery appt and time to getting into my room which took 5 1/2 hrs because a "snowball" of miscommunication between departments and as the patient trying straighten it out was extremely frustrating.. everyone has apologized profusely but I'm hoping my compliant will help those who can't advocate for themselves. read more

This hospital is the worst care a patient can ever have sit n pee for hours seems like everybody that works there r just there for there hrs of work n money no accurately care the security of this place is atrocious barny fife want to be i would never EVER send my worst enemy there... read more

Very nice, professional staff, explained everything clearly, offered different options, strong medical ethics, what else can you ask for? Wait was fine for me, though I heard I was there on a good day. Five stars. read more