National Rehabilitation Hosp in Washington, DC

Pros

• The staff and therapists at MedStar NRH provide exceptional, compassionate, and highly professional care.
• Randy, a seasoned physical therapist, led a well-defined program and ensured continuity of care for knee replacement recovery.
• Edith is an awesome therapist who is in tune with therapy and patients.
• NRH's nurses and therapists are outstanding and dedicated to helping patients reach their functional goals.
• Kelly Gilmartin is a wonderful physical therapist - caring, knowledgeable, and skilled.
• The NRH OT and PT teams are the greatest; they have the equipment and expertise to deliver the best results.
• Patty is patient and knows how to push patients just enough to improve over time.
• MedStar NRH is widely regarded as a premier rehabilitation facility with staff who are determined to provide the best care.

Cons

• The reviewer states the physician had very limited knowledge of scoliosis.
• The reviewer claims the physician's guidance contradicted established research and lacked any basis.
• The reviewer believes a referral to a specialist with the necessary expertise would have been appropriate.
• MedStar NRH's billing practices are described as sloppy and thoughtless, including charges billed before insurance and threatened collections.
• Mr. Okeke is described as lacking basic analytical skills, not allocating sufficient time, and proposing exercises unrelated to the condition that did not alleviate pain.
• The reviewer notes treatment plans were changed without explanation and the patient was discharged after repeated requests for reevaluation.
• The facility is described as chaotic and disorganized, with medications not ready for discharge.
• Some staff are described as rude, incompetent, or unprofessional, including a nurse with no compassion.
• The psychology department is described as unhelpful with poor customer service.

Review

This community is best suited for families seeking aggressive, results-driven rehabilitation where daily therapy momentum matters most. NRH excels when the goal is to regain mobility and independence quickly after stroke, major orthopedic procedures, spinal injuries, or complex neuromuscular issues. The environment is built around high-intensity PT, OT, and speech therapy delivered by a cohesive, multidisciplinary team that prioritizes measurable progress and real-world function. For a patient who needs a dense, hands-on rehabilitation plan with clear home-program continuity, NRH represents a strong, purpose-built choice.

Those considering alternatives should note that NRH's strengths sit alongside notable caveats in non-therapy operations. Some families encounter administrative friction around admissions, scheduling, and discharge planning, with billing questions becoming a source of ongoing stress even after therapy ends. Communication gaps between doctors, case managers, and families occasionally hinder timely decisions. A minority of reviews allege uneven bedside manners or organizational missteps at the front desk or in ancillary departments. For someone who views seamless administration and consistently warm, proactive coordination as essential to recovery, it may be prudent to compare other centers with similar rehab capabilities but steadier non-clinical processes.

The strongest positives come from the therapy teams themselves. Patients consistently praise the depth of expertise, one-on-one attention, and tailoring of treatment plans to individual goals. The best therapists are described as patient, knowledgeable, and relentlessly focused on progress, with results that translate into real improvements in walking, balance, and daily functioning. Nursing and support staff also tend to be cited for dedication and approachable care. When treatment is well aligned with goals - whether it's regaining the ability to walk up stairs, drive with hand controls, or communicate effectively after a brain event - the impact is large and durable, often extending into the patient's home life.

On the downside, several reviews flag concerns about logistics and interpersonal dynamics that can color the rehab experience. Billing disputes and delays, in particular, can surface long after discharge, complicating peace of mind for families already under stress. There are occasional reports of inconsistent scheduling, longer wait times for certain services, and variability in how promptly clinicians respond to questions or changes in a plan. A few families describe unpleasant interactions with staff or less cohesive coordination across departments, which can undermine confidence in the overall care experience even as the therapy itself remains excellent.

Yet the pros frequently offset these cons through the transformative value of therapy and the institution's culture of perseverance. When the therapy team is aligned with clear goals and a well-structured home program, patients leave NRH with tangible gains and the confidence to sustain progress outside the facility. The most compelling case studies involve patients who move from near immobility to independent walking, or who return to meaningful daily activities with significantly reduced assistance. In these scenarios, the quality and intensity of rehabilitation create a practical difference that can overshadow episodic administrative friction.

For decision-making, the clear conclusion is pragmatic: NRH is a compelling option for families prioritizing top-tier rehabilitation outcomes and a professional, experienced therapy milieu. It is less ideal for those who require near-flawless administrative execution, consistent interpersonal warmth across every department, or a perfectly frictionless discharge-and-billing process. Prospective families should engage early with a dedicated case manager, request a stable PT/OT pair where possible, and insist on a written, itemized plan that covers therapy goals, home-exercise coaching, and billing timelines. In short, NRH stands out for rehabilitation efficacy; ensure expectations on administration and communication are explicitly set to avoid clouding the exceptional clinical value.

This part of Washington, DC is a vibrant and convenient area with a variety of amenities nearby. With several hospitals and medical centers in close proximity, access to healthcare is readily available. There are also numerous pharmacies for medication needs. Public transportation options include several metro stations, making it easy to get around the city. For recreational activities, there are parks and theaters within a short distance for leisurely enjoyment. Additionally, there is a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes offering different cuisines and dining experiences. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of healthcare facilities, transportation options, entertainment venues, and dining establishments that cater to various interests and needs for senior living.

Hospitals

• Medstar Washington Hospital Center (0.1 miles)
• Children's National Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Howard University Hospital (1 miles)

Physicians

• Children's National - Main Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Mary's Center (1.6 miles)
• One Medical (2.2 miles)
• One Medical (2.2 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics (2.4 miles)
• American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (0.7 miles)
• St Joseph Catholic Church on Capitol Hill (2.6 miles)
• St Peter's School on Capitol Hill (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro Station (0.8 miles)
• Rhode Island Ave - Brentwood Metro Station (1.1 miles)
• Shaw-Howard University Metro Station (1.2 miles)
• NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro Station (1.7 miles)
• Union Station Metro (2.2 miles)
• McPherson Square Metro Station (2.3 miles)
• Judiciary Square Metro Station (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC Bryant Street (1 miles)
• Regal Gallery Place & 4DX (2.2 miles)
• AMC Georgetown 14 (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Right Proper Brewing Company (1.1 miles)
• Garden District (1.5 miles)
• Chicken + Whiskey (1.6 miles)
• Republic Cantina (1.6 miles)
• Le Diplomate (1.7 miles)
• Red Bear Brewing Compa (1.8 miles)
• Number Nine (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Meridian Hill Park (1.4 miles)
• S Street Dog Park (1.8 miles)
• Fort Slocum Park (2.1 miles)
• Stanton Park (2.6 miles)
• Capitol Reflecting Pool (2.8 miles)
• Lincoln Park (3 miles)
• Rock Creek Park (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Bar (1.4 miles)
• Unconventional Diner (1.8 miles)
• L Street Coffee (1.8 miles)
• A Baked Joint (1.9 miles)
• Dolcezza (2.2 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (2.2 miles)
• Lost Sock Roasters (3 miles)