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 weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m (EST) to request an information packet for international patients.

You may also download an application for treatment in English or Spanish, or obtain a patient application through local Shriners or Shrine Club; by mailing Applications Secretary, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Twin Cities, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414; by calling the hospital toll-free at (888) 293-2832 or by faxing a request to (612) 596-6102.

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 Referral to Shriners Hospital —Twin Cities

Referring physicians should contact Chief of Staff Kenneth J. Guidera, M.D. at (612) 596-6100.

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.