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 (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 please call (800) 237-5055 or (800) 361-7256 (in Canada).

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 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.

To learn more about transportation help that may be available for patients of the St. Louis hospital, contact our care coordination/family services at (314) 872-7806.

Patient Referral to Shriners Hospital in St.Louis

Referring physicians who wish to speak to a health care professional may contact Karen Brendell, R.N., at (800) 850-2960 or (214) 872-8319.

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 (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 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.