Frequently Asked Questions

We provide care in a level III NICU at Holy Cross Hospital (in Silver Spring, MD) one of the highest levels possible. That means that we care for the tiniest and the sickest babies, and handle complex medical conditions.

In our level II NICU at Germantown, MD, we care for babies that are at least 32 weeks and bigger than 1,500 grams (3 lb 6 oz) that require some support (breathing, feeding, temperature, transitioning, jaundice, etc.)

We partner closely with Children’s National Hospital, including with their team of pediatric surgeons. If an infant needs minor surgery, the Children’s team performs that in our NICU. We also work closely with a team of Neonatal Ophthalmologists, who perform eye surgery (injections, LASER) if needed in our NICU. If an infant has a more complicated condition, we collaborate with the Children’s National transport team with proven protocols for safe transfers, to transport them to the Children’s National NICU or PICU

We're constantly learning and improving through:

• Participation in the Vermont Oxford Network, comparing our outcomes with top NICUs worldwide
• Regular review of the latest research
• Quality improvement projects
• Close collaboration with Children's National

Parents are partners in care, not just visitors. You'll be involved from day one with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, and daily care, supported by our team every step of the way.

We believe quality care goes beyond medical expertise. Our support includes:

• Family-friendly NICU access (open 22 hours daily)
• Monthly gatherings where current families meet NICU graduates
• Clear and frequent communication about your baby's progress
• Social workers who meet with all families and offer support as needed
• Physical and occupational therapists that meet with families before discharge, to provide feeding guidance and neurodevelopmental exercises
• Interpreter services so that ALL families feel as part of our NICU family
• A NICU-specific fund (Ryan Basile Fund) that helps those with limited resources
• Annual celebration of all our graduates with dozens of families participating

Some families face the heartbreaking news that their time with their newborn will be limited.

Our Never Alone program provides:

• Compassionate support for difficult decisions
• Help creating meaningful moments together
• Respect for your choices about care
• Partnership with local hospice when needed
• Guidance for the whole family

We are an independent medical group that provides care in the Holy Cross Health NICUs. You will receive two bills for your NICU care – one from Holy Cross Hospital and another from Community Neonatal Associates (that's us) for physician services. If you have questions about your bill, you can call (571) 655-2267.

Most insurance plans cover NICU care. Coverage details vary, so we encourage you to contact your insurance provider about your specific coverage.

You can call our billing office at (571) 655-2267.

Yes. Whether you have a high-risk pregnancy or just want peace of mind, we offer prenatal consultations. Contact us to arrange a meeting with our team.

Ask your OB or MFM about delivering at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring or Germantown. The hospital can also provide a list of OBs who deliver there.