Eligibility Information

Children up to age 18 are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children if, in the opinion of our physicians, there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available. Acceptance is based solely on a child’s medical needs. A family's income or insurance status is not criteria for acceptance as a patient.

The service area of Shriners Hospitals includes the United States, Canada and Mexico. Anyone interested in submitting an application from outside one of these areas should call (800) 237-5055 to request an information packet for international patients.

Download an application for treatment in English or Spanish, or obtain an application through local Shriners or Shrine Club; by writing to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631;or by calling (800)237-5055 in the U.S. or (800) 361-7256 in Canada.

Transportation to and from the hospital is the responsibility of the family. Often, local Shriners can help with transportation. The Shriners Hospital to which the child is being referred can assist with contacting local Shriners.

Physician Referrals to Shriners Hospitals—Chicago

Referring physicians may contact Chief of Staff Peter F. Sturm, M.D., at (773) 622-5400 to refer orthopaedic patients to the hospital.
For spinal cord injury referrals, physicians should contact SCI Program Director Lawrence C. Vogel, M.D., at (773) 622-5400.

Emergency Admission for Burn Care

For emergency admission to one of our four hospitals specializing in burn care, the referring physician should contact the hospital's chief of staff:

Boston
Ronald G. Tompkins, M.D., Sc.D
(617) 722-3000

Cincinnati
Richard J. Kagan, M.D.
(800) 875-8580

Galveston
David N. Herndon, M.D.
(409) 770-6600

Sacramento
David G. Greenhalgh, M.D.
(916) 453-2111

Non-Emergency Admission for Burn Care

Non-emergency admissions of burn patients for reconstructive or plastic surgery can be arranged in the same manner as orthopaedic admissions at the nearest Shriners Hospital for Children as outlined at the top of this page.