Phoenix Children’s Hospital Phoenix: Pediatric Care & Info

What to bring

• Current insurance card.
• Requested referral or authorization.
• Complete medication list, including over-the-counter medicines.
• Vaccination record if relevant.
• Copies or details of recent hospital, ER or urgent-care visits.
• Contact information for other physicians caring for your child.
• Any requested imaging, laboratory or prior medical records.
• Questions, medication refill requests or durable medical equipment needs you want to discuss.

The Thomas Campus Emergency Department is home to Phoenix Children’s Center for Trauma Care, which the hospital identifies as Arizona’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

The Emergency Department is also certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services as an Advanced Life Support Base Hospital, allowing Phoenix Children’s pediatric specialists to provide medical direction to emergency medical personnel in the field.

Do you need an appointment for the ER?

No. Emergency Department care does not require a scheduled appointment. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Doctor appointment fee

Phoenix Children’s states that the patient’s required portion of an office visit is due at the time of service. The actual amount depends on insurance benefits, deductible, copay, coinsurance and the services provided.

Why specialty clinic visits may have two charges

Many Phoenix Children’s specialty clinics are hospital-based. A specialty appointment can therefore involve:

• Facility charge: hospital space, equipment and support services.
• Professional fee: the physician or other medical provider.

Some independent clinicians can also bill separately.

Emergency fee

Phoenix Children’s does not provide one reliable fixed emergency-room price because emergency treatment is not a shoppable service with a predictable level of care. The amount changes with the severity of the condition and the testing and treatment needed.

Get an estimate before scheduled care

Phoenix Children’s also publishes an online price-estimation tool for shoppable services that can normally be scheduled in advance. The hospital warns that an estimate is for planning and is not a guarantee of the final bill.

What can change the final amount?

• Insurance plan and network status.
• Deductible.
• Copayment.
• Coinsurance.
• Actual medical services provided.
• Laboratory or imaging services.
• Anesthesia, pathology or radiology professional fees.
• Unexpected complications or changes in treatment.

Phoenix Children’s currently lists many participating plans, but a health insurer can offer multiple products with different networks. Families should verify both Phoenix Children’s and Phoenix Children’s Medical Group for their exact plan.

Examples currently listed for general services

Financial assistance

Phoenix Children’s provides financial counseling and a financial-assistance application process for eligible patients who are uninsured, underinsured or unable to pay the full patient responsibility.

Financial counselors can also help families understand benefits and explore eligibility for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coverage.

Wheelchairs and child-friendly wagons

Wheelchairs and wagons are available for patients and families who need help getting around the hospital. Guest Services can assist at 602-933-1749.

Current general visitor structure

• Up to 2 legally authorized representatives (LARs).
• Up to 4 partners in care (PICs).
• Up to 10 unique visitors.
• One overnight LAR or PIC age 18 or older, with limited exceptions.
• Every visitor must obtain and wear a visitor badge.
• Visitors with cold or flu symptoms may be asked to wear a mask.

Bedside limits

Phoenix Children’s Retail Pharmacy is on the first floor of the Main tower between Admitting and the Emergency Department. It is dedicated to pediatric medications and can provide specialized compounding when appropriate.

Useful pharmacy services

• New pediatric prescriptions.
• Prescription transfers and refills.
• Pediatric compounding.
• Non-prescription medicine.
• Meds-to-Beds discharge delivery.
• Eligible home delivery at no charge.
• Medication take-back kiosk during pharmacy hours.

The cafeteria accepts major credit/debit cards and cash. Patient meal selections can be adjusted by the clinical nutrition team when a medical diet is required.

The Patient Portal provides secure 24/7 online access to a child’s Phoenix Children’s health information from a computer, phone or tablet.

What families can do in the portal

Children 13 and older can also receive access to their own health information under Phoenix Children’s portal process.

How to activate access

1. Provide an email address or mobile number during an appointment or hospital check-in.
2. Watch for the automated invitation.
3. Follow the secure setup link.
4. If you have multiple children and need linked access, call Health Information Management.

Phoenix Children’s has a centralized records department covering inpatient, outpatient, urgent care and Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics records.

Request process

Mailing address

How long does it take?

Phoenix Children’s currently says medical-record requests commonly take 7-10 business days from receipt. High-volume or more complex requests can take up to 30 days.

If more than 10 business days have passed, Phoenix Children’s asks families checking status to email Health Information Management and include the child’s first name, last name and date of birth.

Radiology images

Radiology images can be released electronically through Nuance PowerShare or secure email, reducing the need to mail physical imaging media.

Emily Center

The Emily Center is on the first floor of the East Building and provides reliable pediatric health information, patient education and individualized guidance.

Current hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m..

Hospital amenities

• ATM on the first floor near the gift shop.
• Family lounges on hospital floors with kitchens, large TVs, couches and showers.
• Full-size washers and dryers on the 3rd and 7th floors.
• Patient and family education through the Emily Center.
• Wheelchairs and child-friendly wagons.

Most patient rooms include a private bathroom, telephone and television, and many rooms have a sleeper chair. During an extended admission, Phoenix Children’s says two adult family members or caregivers may be in the room, while generally only one caregiver stays overnight.

Ronald McDonald House

Qualifying families who live at least 30 miles from the hospital may be eligible for Ronald McDonald House lodging.

Phoenix Children’s Social Work can also help identify nearby hotels, including properties that may offer hospital-family rates.

The gift shop carries items such as stuffed animals, toys, games, clothing, crafts and selected toiletries. Gifts can be delivered to a patient’s room without an additional delivery fee.

Patient mailing address

Cards and permitted gifts can be addressed to the patient at: