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 for Children® includes the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, the Republic of Panama and Mexico. As of April 2009, we are temporarily not accepting new patients residing outside of these areas.

If you have questions about applying to Shriners Hospitals for Children® please call (800) 237-5055 in the U.S., or (800) 361-7256 in Canada.

Download an application for treatment in English, Spanish or French (Canada hospital only) or obtain a patient application form 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 Hospitals for Children® to which the child is being referred can assist with contacting local Shriners.

Physician Referral to Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California

Physicians, nurses, case managers and other health professionals refer children to Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California for specialized pediatric care. To refer a patient to the hospital in Sacramento, call the referral coordinator at (916) 453-2191.

Children with severe burns and other emergency needs are admitted through a physician-to-physician referral. The referring physician should contact the physician on-call at (916) 453-2111.

Orthopaedics:
Michelle James, M.D.

Burns:
David G. Greenhalgh, M.D.

SCI Unit:
Craig McDonald, M.D.

Non-Emergency Burn Care

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