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 are not criteria for acceptance as a patient.

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

If you have questions about applying to Shriners Hospitals please call (800) 237-5055 or (800) 361-7256 (in Canada).

Download an application for treatment in English or Spanish, or to obtain a patient application through local Shriners or Shrine Club; write to Shriners Hospitals, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631; or call (800) 237-5055 or (800) 361-7256 (in Canada).

Although transportation to and from the hospital is the responsibility of the family, often the  local Shriners can help. Shriners Hospitals can help with contacting local Shriners.

Appointments and Physician Referrals

For specific medical questions about a patient or referrals of an urgent nature, a physicians may call the Chief of Staff David Drvaric, M.D., at (413) 787-2058.

A family member or physician's office can schedule a new patient appointment by calling (413) 735-1234, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Established patients and families may schedule outpatient visits by calling (413) 787-2088, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Emergency 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
David N. Herndon, M.D.
(409) 770-6773

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

Non-Emergency 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.