Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore: Pediatric and Adult Neurology with Research Integration
The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger is a specialty neurology facility embedded within Kennedy Krieger Institute in East Baltimore, offering clinical evaluation and treatment for pediatric and adult neurological disorders alongside active research programs. The institute occupies a significant share of Kennedy Krieger's clinical capacity and serves as both a tertiary care center for complex cases and a site of translational research into neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic conditions.
What the Hugo W. Moser Institute actually is
Kennedy Krieger Institute, located at 707 North Broadway in Baltimore, is a nonprofit research and teaching hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute is its neurology division, named after the neurologist who pioneered the study of childhood leukodystrophies and established Kennedy Krieger's neurology research program. The institute comprises multiple clinics serving patients from infancy through adulthood, with particular strength in inherited neurological disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental conditions. It operates as both a clinical practice and a research facility, meaning patients may have the option to participate in clinical trials or contribute to ongoing studies.
Services and subspecialties
The institute houses dedicated clinics for epilepsy, leukodystrophy, mitochondrial disease, movement disorders (including cerebral palsy and dystonia), spina bifida, and neuromuscular disease. Patients can access diagnostic services including EEG, EMG/nerve conduction studies, and genetic counseling. Many evaluations are multidisciplinary, combining neurologist assessment with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or orthopedic consultation depending on diagnosis. Pricing information is not independently available; costs depend on insurance coverage and specific services ordered. Verify current insurance acceptance and out-of-pocket estimates directly with Kennedy Krieger's billing department at 443-923-2700.
How it compares to Baltimore neurology options
Baltimore has several neurology practices, but few integrate research and tertiary pediatric care as Kennedy Krieger does. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UM Medical) operates a Department of Neurology serving adult and pediatric patients, with particular focus on multiple sclerosis and stroke; it is best for patients seeking a traditional hospital-based neurology service. Sinai Hospital also offers neurology clinics. The Moser Institute is the appropriate choice for patients with rare inherited neurological disorders, complex pediatric cases, or those interested in research participation. It is less ideal for patients seeking a simple primary care neurology visit for migraine or routine follow-up, where a private practice neurologist or UM Medical may offer faster access.
Who it serves and who it does not
The institute is designed for patients (children through adults) with complex, often rare neurological conditions requiring subspecialty expertise, multidisciplinary coordination, or genetic evaluation. Families managing conditions like leukodystrophy, mitochondrial disease, or severe epilepsy find the research integration and depth of pediatric neurology experience valuable. It is less appropriate for patients seeking a single-visit migraine evaluation or routine medication refills; these are better served by a community neurology practice. The institute's research mission means some appointments involve questionnaires, imaging data review, or discussion of trial enrollment; patients who prefer straightforward clinical visits without research components should confirm in advance.
First visit process
New patients require a referral from a primary care physician or another specialist. Kennedy Krieger schedules an intake appointment, typically 4 to 8 weeks out depending on condition urgency and neurologist availability. Verify current wait times by calling 443-923-2700. The appointment includes a detailed neurological history, examination, and usually at least one diagnostic test (EEG, EMG, or imaging review). If your child or you are a potential research participant based on diagnosis, the team will discuss available studies. Bring insurance cards, photo ID, and previous neuroimaging or test results if available.
Hours, parking, and location
Kennedy Krieger is located at 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, in the Johns Hopkins medical campus area near Downtown Baltimore. The institute operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours; specific clinic hours vary by subspecialty and change seasonally. Call 443-923-2700 to confirm the schedule for your required clinic. Parking is available in the Kennedy Krieger garage and nearby Johns Hopkins lots; some parking requires validation through Kennedy Krieger registration, and daily rates typically range from $6 to $12. Public transit access is available via the Light Rail (Penn Station stop is a short walk) and several bus routes.
Kennedy Krieger's integration of clinical care with active neurology research gives families with rare conditions access to both specialized expertise and the potential for participation in studies advancing understanding of their disorder.
