Luminis Health

Who we are

• Nonprofit, regional health system
• Formed by bringing together Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center
• Serving approximately 1.8 million people

Where we provide care

Luminis Health provides care for people in:

• Anne Arundel County, Maryland
• Prince George's County, Maryland
• Maryland's Eastern Shore
• Surrounding Maryland communities and beyond

Major facilities and entities

Luminis Health includes a network of more than 100 practice locations, including:

• Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) – a 57-acre medical campus in Annapolis, nationally recognized for joint replacement, emergency heart attack response, cancer care and women's services.
• Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) – the flagship medical facility in Lanham, providing medical and surgical services with a diverse network of physicians, nurses and staff.
• J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center
• Luminis Health Pathways
• Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center

Our approach to community health

Luminis Health partners with local organizations to understand the needs and strengths of the communities it serves. The health system invests in community benefit initiatives and is committed to:

• Expanding access to care close to home
• Addressing community health needs
• Supporting prevention, wellness and health education
• Building a healthier future for the region

The health system provides care in many areas, including but not limited to:

• Heart and vascular care – cardiology, cardiac surgery, heart failure, heart attack care, vascular surgery and vascular care.
• Cancer care – medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and care for many types of cancers (such as breast, lung, gynecologic and blood cancers).
• Women's health – obstetrics, gynecology, women's surgical specialties, breast health, mammography, maternal–fetal medicine and related services.
• Birth and baby care – pregnancy and trimester care, labor and delivery, neonatal care and breastfeeding support.
• Orthopedics and musculoskeletal care – joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, spine surgery, care for hip, knee, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder pain, and physical therapy.
• Imaging and diagnostics – X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, PET-CT and other specialized imaging and radiology services.
• Behavioral health and substance use services – inpatient and outpatient mental health care, behavioral health urgent care, and inpatient and outpatient services for substance use.
• Primary and family care – primary care, family medicine and internal medicine for ongoing and preventive health needs.
• Children's care – pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine.
• Surgical services – general surgery and many subspecialty surgical services.

Finding specific services

Because the services offered are extensive and may change over time, patients should:

• Use the A–Z Services and Conditions search on the Luminis Health website to look up specific services or conditions.
• Use the website tools to search for providers and locations that offer the services they need.

Availability of particular services, locations and providers can change. The most current information is always maintained on the Luminis Health website.

• At check-in, Luminis Health requests a copy of your current insurance card.
• It is important to provide complete and accurate insurance information; otherwise, you may be responsible for paying for your care in full.
• Luminis Health will submit claims to your health plan if your coverage information is provided.

If your insurance plan requires authorizations or referrals:

• Luminis Health will assist with obtaining the necessary approvals when possible.
• Final responsibility for confirming coverage and referral requirements rests with the patient and their insurance plan.

Patient responsibility

• If you have insurance, you may be asked to pay copayments or coinsurance at the time of service, depending on your benefits.
• If you do not have insurance coverage, or do not provide insurance information, you may be responsible for the full cost of care.

Definitions commonly used in billing and insurance include:

• Copay – a fixed amount you pay for a health care service.
• Deductible – the amount you pay for health services before your insurance begins to pay.
• Coinsurance – your share of the costs of a health service, usually a percentage of the allowed charge.

Checking if your plan is accepted

• Luminis Health states that it accepts most major insurance plans.
• Because plan networks and benefits can change, patients should confirm directly with their insurance plan that Luminis Health and the specific providers or facilities are in-network.

For the most up-to-date information on accepted plans, coverage details and any network restrictions, patients should:

• Contact their health insurance plan (using the phone number on their insurance card), and/or
• Review the Insurances Accepted information on the Luminis Health website.

Need coverage?

Patients who do not have insurance coverage are encouraged to explore options such as Maryland Health Connection and other state or federal programs. Luminis Health's financial assistance team can help direct patients to appropriate resources.

Patients can pay hospital and physician bills securely online through Luminis Health's payment portal.

• Online portal: pay.luminishealth.org
• The portal allows patients to:
• Make secure online payments
• View payment history
• Sign up for paperless bills
• Send billing questions to customer service representatives

Some patients may receive an email, text, or paper statement with a direct link to pay their bill online.

Types of bills you may receive

When you receive care at Luminis Health, you may receive separate bills for different services:

• Hospital bill – includes charges for the facility, equipment, supplies and hospital staff (excluding physicians).
• Physician bill – includes charges for the time your provider spent treating you.
• Imaging bill (radiology) – includes charges for diagnostic imaging and radiology services.

Luminis Health also partners with some independent physician groups that bill separately for their services. These groups use their own billing systems and contact information.

Billing support and questions

• General customer service: 443-333-2584 (typically Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–7:00 pm; hours can change).
• Some service lines publish additional billing contact numbers on the Luminis Health website.

Patients should refer to their billing statement or the Luminis Health website for the most current contact information and hours for billing support.

No-surprise billing and price transparency

Luminis Health provides information about:

• No-surprise billing protections for many emergency services and certain out-of-network care at in-network hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers.
• Price and cost transparency, including resources to help patients understand factors that can affect the final cost of care.

These details are available through dedicated No-Surprise Billing and Price/Cost Transparency resources on the Luminis Health website.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance resources are available for eligible patients. Separate knowledge documents describe Luminis Health's financial assistance options and how to apply.

Urgent Care (including Virtual Urgent Care)

Urgent care is for medical concerns that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening.

Common reasons to use urgent care include:

• Fever or flu
• Cough, cold or sore throat
• COVID screening
• Seasonal allergies
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Skin rashes and infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Insect bites or poison ivy

Virtual Urgent Care

Luminis Health offers virtual urgent care so patients in Maryland can connect from home or another convenient location using a mobile device.

• Typical hours:
• Weekdays: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Weekends: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Open on many holidays (availability can vary)
• Contact: Call (443) 951-4270 for virtual urgent care support.

Availability of providers, visit types and specific hours can vary by day and location.

Primary Care

Primary care covers day-to-day health needs and ongoing relationships with a primary care provider. This provider is usually the first contact for new health concerns and helps coordinate specialty care when needed.

Common reasons to see a primary care provider include:

• Allergies and asthma
• Minor cuts and bone breaks
• Cough and congestion
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Prescription refills
• Physicals for sports, school and work
• Vaccinations

Primary care is generally offered during regular business hours, with some locations offering evening or Saturday appointments. Hours and appointment types vary by practice.

Specialty Care

Specialty care focuses on specific conditions or body systems. Luminis Health offers a wide range of specialty services, such as:

• Surgery
• Imaging and diagnostic testing
• Cancer care
• Mental health care
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pregnancy and delivery care
• Heart care
• Bone, joint and muscle care

Hours, locations and appointment types depend on the specialty and practice.

Emergency Care

Emergency care is for life-threatening or very serious conditions. If someone may be having a medical emergency, they should call 911 and should not drive themselves.

Examples of emergencies include:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Serious burns
• Severe headache
• Head or eye injury
• Suspected broken bones or dislocated joints

Emergency department access

• Luminis Health emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Care is provided by a team that may include registration staff, triage nurses, hospitalists, pediatric hospitalists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians.

Choosing the right level of care

• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
• For urgent but non-emergency issues, consider urgent care or virtual urgent care.
• For ongoing health needs, preventive care and chronic conditions, contact primary care.
• For specific conditions or specialized treatments, ask your primary care provider or Luminis Health for specialty care options.

For current locations, available services and ways to schedule care, visit the Luminis Health website and use the search tools for providers, locations and services.

• Luminis Health helps patients navigate the financial responsibilities related to their care.
• Some patients may qualify for state or federal programs that cover some or all of their medical bills.
• Financial counselors can help patients apply for available assistance programs.

Types of assistance

Financial assistance may be available for patients who receive services from physicians employed by Luminis Health. Independent (non-employed) physicians follow their own financial assistance policies and procedures.

Assistance programs can include:

• Help applying for federal or state coverage or aid programs
• Hospital-based financial assistance programs for eligible patients

Specific eligibility criteria, required documentation and application steps are outlined in detail on the Luminis Health website and in its official financial assistance policies.

How to get help

Patients who need help with financial assistance can contact Luminis Health financial assistance teams during business hours.

Examples of published contact points include:

• LHAAMC, LHDCMC and MMC Financial Assistance – phone support is typically available Monday through Friday during business hours.
• Physician billing offices – have their own contact numbers and hours for questions about physician bills and related financial assistance.

For the most current phone numbers, hours and forms, patients should refer to the Financial Assistance section of the Luminis Health website or their billing statement.

Important notes

• Availability of assistance and eligibility requirements can change over time.
• Receiving financial assistance may depend on factors such as income, insurance status and the type of services received.
• Independent physician groups that practice at Luminis Health facilities may maintain separate financial assistance policies.

Patients can enroll in MyChart in several ways:

• Request a MyChart activation code during an office visit with Luminis Health Medical Group, Luminis Health Imaging or other participating practices.
• Request an activation code online through participating Luminis Health providers.
• If not already enrolled after a hospital, emergency department or outpatient visit, patients can call MyChart Support at 833-254-3600 to request an account.

The activation code lets patients create their own MyChart user ID and password.

MyChart support

For help with MyChart, such as password resets, account access or locked accounts:

• Call MyChart Support: 833-254-3600
• Some pages may also offer a way to send a MyChart support request online.

Support hours and options can change, so patients should refer to the MyChart section of the Luminis Health website for the latest details.

What you can do with MyChart

MyChart provides tools to help patients stay informed and connected to their care team, including:

• View appointments – see upcoming and past visits, and schedule certain appointments online with participating providers.
• Current health status – review documented health concerns, treatment plans and provider notes for many visits.
• Health trends – view vital signs such as blood pressure, weight and pulse over time.
• Immunization records – see and print vaccination history and recommendations.
• Medications – review current medications and dosages, with links to additional information.
• Recent test results – access many imaging, lab and pathology results. In some sensitive cases, providers may choose to discuss results before releasing them to MyChart.
• Radiology images – access and share imaging records electronically using integrated tools such as PowerShare.

Managing your care

MyChart offers several features to reduce the need for phone calls and in-person visits when they are not necessary:

• Secure messaging – send non-urgent messages to your care team and receive replies, typically within a few business days.
• Online bill pay – view and pay many Luminis Health bills in one place and message the billing office with questions.
• Prescription refills – request refills for many prescriptions.
• Video visits – schedule video visits with participating providers for certain minor or follow-up health concerns. Video visits are available through the Luminis Health app for established MyChart patients when clinically appropriate and offered by the provider.
• Education resources – access health education materials, videos and a health library related to your conditions and treatments.

Family and proxy access

MyChart supports proxy access so caregivers can help manage a loved one's care online.

• Parents and guardians can request access for children under 13.
• Separate proxy options exist for teens (ages 13–17) and for adults (ages 18+) under legal guardianship or with appropriate consent.
• To request proxy access, caregivers complete the appropriate Proxy Consent form and return it as instructed.

Eligibility rules, available features and forms are described in detail on the MyChart section of the Luminis Health website.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.