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 making application from outside one of these countries should call (800) 237-5055 and request an information packet for international patients.

Apply for care now, or obtain an application through a local Shrine Center or Shrine Club, by writing to Shriners Hospitals, 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 help with contacting local Shriners

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.
(800) 255-1916

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

Galveston: (not open for patient care)
David N. Herndon, M.D.
(409) 770-6773

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

If you are not sure which hospital specializing in burn care is closest to you, please call toll-free (866) 714-7123.

Non-Emergency Admission 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 outlined at the top of this page.