Medical services are provided in the Headquarters Health Unit, located on the Concourse level in room CD70. In case of a medical emergency, where an employee is unable to go to the Health Unit, a physician and nurse will respond at the site of the emergency.

The Health Unit is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. For routine service, the Health Unit can be reached at 358-2600. For medical emergencies, call 358-1616.

The Health Unit is operated by a Federal Occupational Health (FOH) contractor, and is staffed by a full-time physician who is licensed in the District of Columbia, two full-time nurses, and a medical receptionist. The physician and nurses are also advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certified. Additional health care providers are brought in to conduct special programs, such as skin cancer screening.

Health Unit services are available to all NASA civil service employees. On-site contractor personnel with an on-the-job injury or occupational illness that will not result in lost time may receive diagnostic and medical treatment, primarily of a first aid nature, within the capabilities of the Health Unit. Occupational illness or injury that results in lost time to the individual will be referred to the employer's designated physician or to a physician of the patient's choice. Visitors who become ill or are injured while at NASA Headquarters during business hours may receive first aid treatment and emergency care.

The services offered in the Health Unit include:

1. Occupational Injury/Illness-   Civil service employees receive diagnosis and medical treatment within the capability of the Health Unit. If treatment beyond the capabilities of the facility is required, the employee will be referred to an appropriate physician or a physician of the patient's choice.    On-site contractor personnel with an on-the-job injury or occupational illness that will not result in lost time may receive diagnostic and medical treatment, primarily of a first aid nature, within the capabilities of the Health Unit.  Occupational illness or injury that results in lost time to the individual will be referred to the employer's designated physician or to a physician of the patient's choice.
   
   
2. Non-Occupational Illness - Civil service and on-site contractor personnel experiencing a non-occupational illness during working hours will receive preliminary diagnosis and treatment with subsequent referral to a physician.  Initial or palliative treatment will be given for medical conditions for which employees would not reasonably be expected to seek the attention of a personal physician or to enable them to complete the current work shift before consulting their personal physician.  When necessary, the patient is promptly referred to his or her private physician for further treatment and follow-up care. The staff also reports any symptoms and/or conditions that could possibly be related to the work environment to the Medical Director and to the appropriate Headquarters’ Health and Safety personnel.
   
   
3. Emergency Response/First Aid - When medical emergency treatment beyond the capabilities of the health Unit is required, patients are referred to a physician of the patient's choice or to an appropriate specialist, or transported to a local hospital via DC ambulance.
   
   
4. Administration of Treatments and Medications – Including desensitization injections (allergy shots).
   
   
5. Physical Examinations- Annual health maintenance exams (including lab work, vision and hearing testing, spirometry, EKG etc), fitness clearance exams, etc.
   
   
6. Disease Screening and Immunizations – Including cancer screenings, bone density screening, blood pressure and cholesterol screening, and influenza shots.
   
   
7. International Travel Medical Services (for NASA business only)-Including travel vaccinations, travel kits, health information.
   
   
8. Health Education –Lunch and learn seminars, annual health fair, etc.

For non-emergencies, contact the Health Unit at (202) 358-2600.
For medical emergencies call 358-1616.
For information on the program or comments on the services, contact Cherie Zieschang 202-358-1569.