Patient Information
 Admission
Patients are admitted to Garrett County Memorial Hospital on the basis of a physician's medically-based judgment, regardless of sex, race or creed. They are also discharged by their physician.
Billing and Financial Arrangements
Payment for hospital bills may be made at the front desk in the main hospital lobby or on the second floor of the George Loar Building. If you do not have full health insurance coverage, the Patient Financial Services Department will assist you in making the necessary financial arrangements for the payment of your hospital bill. In addition, GCMH offers The Caring Program to those who are unable to pay for hospital services.
Last Name Contact Number
A through Go...................(301) 533-4213
Gr through Pa..................(301) 533-4211
Pb through Z....................(301) 533-4212
General Questions............(301) 533-4209
The Caring Program
The qualifying criteria are minimal and broad so GCMH can exercise maximum flexibility to offer financial assistance to individuals with special personal circumstances who otherwise would not qualify for the program. GCMH retains the right to use its discretionary judgment in making final decisions regarding eligibility to the “Caring Program." Eligibility to the "Caring Program" represents “free” healthcare and as such, is included as part of the hospital's charitable mission.
Health Information Management (Medical Records)
The medical record is the property of the hospital. The patient does not automatically receive a copy of his/her medical record upon discharge from the hospital. Medical records must be completed by all physicians involved in the patient's care prior to being coped and released to the patient. This process can take up to 30 day. The patient may receive a copy of his/her medical record, upon completion, for a fee.
Patient-related information may also be released to a physician or medical facility for follow-up care of the patient when needed, free of charge. We encourage patients to request medical information at least 15 days prior to any follow-up care.
*Upon completion, please bring the Medical Record Authorization Form to the Health Information Management Department at GCMH or mail to:
Garrett County Memorial Hospital
Attention: Health Information Management Department
251 North Fourth Street
Oakland, MD 21550
Make Your Advance Directive a Part of Your Permanent Medical Record at GCMH
Garrett County Memorial Hospital will now keep a copy of your Advance Directives with your patient chart. If you are going to be admitted to the hospital you should bring a copy of your Advance Directives to be made a part of your permanent medical file.
 Advance directives are documents which state your choices about medical treatment or name someone to make decisions about your medical treatment, if you are unable to make these decisions for yourself. They are called "advance" directives because they are signed in advance to let your doctor and other health care providers know your wishes concerning medical treatment. Through advance directives, you can make legally valid decisions about your future medical care.
Maryland law recognizes 2 types of advance directives: A Living Will Declaration and An Appointment of Health Care Agent.
How can I get more information about Advance Directives?
Contact: the GCMH Social Work Services Department
@ (301) 533-4000.
Visit the State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General website.
Returning HomeShould you experience any condition that concerns or causes you alarm after you return home from from the hospital, contact your doctor immediately. Our Emergency Department is open 24 hours each day. Should you not be able to reach your doctor, make arrangements for someone to bring you to the emergency room.
Smoking While it has been the hospital's policy to prohibit smoking in all hospital buildings for many years, as of July 1, 2003, smoking is no longer allowed on hospital grounds, including parking lots, structures and outdoor areas.
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