Children National Hospital: Pediatric Care & Info

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Washington, DC · Pediatric Hospital Guide · Updated September 2026

Children’s National Hospital address, appointments, pediatric emergency care, portal, records, billing, and visitor help

Children’s National Hospital is a major pediatric hospital at 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010. Families use the main campus for pediatric emergency care, specialty care, inpatient stays, surgery, imaging, pharmacy access, and complex child-focused treatment.

This guide helps parents and caregivers quickly find the right phone number, appointment route, patient portal, emergency department guidance, medical records process, billing help, parking plan, visitor rules, and pediatric service direction.

Appointments: 1-888-884-2327 Hospital Operator: 202-476-5000 Open Patient Portal
Emergency warning: If a child has trouble breathing, a severe allergic reaction, uncontrolled bleeding, seizure, poisoning, major injury, altered consciousness, severe dehydration, or another life-threatening condition, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not use portal messaging for emergencies.
Main hospital address 111 Michigan Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20010. Use this address for main campus directions, emergency department planning, inpatient visits, and specialty appointments.

Appointments 1-888-884-BEAR

Use 1-888-884-2327 to schedule pediatric specialty or hospital-related appointments.

Hospital operator 202-476-5000

Use for general hospital routing, department connection, and main campus information.

Pediatric emergency care 24/7

The main hospital lists around-the-clock pediatric emergency care. Life-threatening emergencies should still begin with 911.

Patient portal MyChildrensPortal

Use for medical records, visit summaries, appointments, refills, care team messages, and selected health information.

Medical records 202-476-5267

The Health Information Management team helps patients, parents, caregivers, providers, and authorized requesters obtain records.

Start here: choose the right Children’s National route

Use this decision table before calling, driving, requesting records, or using the portal.

Family need Best action Prepare first
Life-threatening emergency Call 911 or go to the closest emergency department. Medication list, allergies, symptoms, time symptoms started, and any discharge papers if safely available.
Pediatric emergency but stable enough to travel Use the Children’s National Emergency Department or another appropriate emergency department. Insurance card, photo ID, guardian information, medications, and the child’s pediatrician name.
Specialty appointment Call 1-888-884-2327 or use the official appointment page. Reason for visit, insurance information, subscriber details, guardian contact, and pediatrician name.
Find a doctor or department Use the official Find a Doctor search by condition, specialty, or provider name. Diagnosis, symptoms, referral notes, preferred location, and any requested specialist type.
Medical record copy Use the online medical records request tool or call 202-476-5267. Patient name, date of birth, guardian proof, destination, date range, and release reason.
Bill or insurance question Call billing customer service at 301-572-3542. Statement, account number, guarantor information, insurance card, and payment method.

Children’s National Hospital phone numbers and contact uses

Large hospitals have many phone lines. Use the most specific number available to avoid being transferred repeatedly.

Contact Number or route Use it for
Appointments Bear Line 1-888-884-BEAR / 1-888-884-2327 Scheduling specialty care, hospital-related appointments, and appointment routing.
Hospital operator 202-476-5000 General routing, main campus information, department connection, and operator help.
Admissions 202-476-4068 Admission-related questions when your child has a planned hospital stay.
Billing customer service 301-572-3542 Hospital bills, physician bills, account questions, payment plans, and statement help.
Medical records 202-476-5267 Records requests, release questions, visit summaries, and health information management.
Language services 202-476-5444 Interpreter and language support planning for care visits.
Family services 202-476-3070 Social work and family-support questions.
Global Services +1-202-476-5779 International patient inquiries and care planning for families traveling from outside the United States.

How to schedule a Children’s National appointment

Appointments may be for specialty care, primary care, procedures, follow-ups, second opinions, or location-specific services.

Decide whether this is emergency or scheduled care. If your child is facing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for an appointment or portal response.
Call the Bear Line or use the official appointment page. For scheduling, call 1-888-884-BEAR / 1-888-884-2327 or use the official Children’s National appointment page.
Prepare scheduling information. Have the reason for the visit, child’s insurance information, insurance subscriber contact details, parent or guardian contact information, and the child’s pediatrician name ready.
Ask about records and referrals. Some specialties may need referral notes, imaging, test results, discharge papers, school forms, medication history, or previous specialist records before the visit.
Confirm location and arrival instructions. Children’s National has main hospital, specialty care centers, pediatric offices, and affiliate locations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Confirm the exact location before traveling.
Scheduling script: “I need an appointment for my child. The reason is __. My child is a new or existing patient. Insurance is __. Our pediatrician is __. Do we need a referral, records, imaging, or labs before the visit?”

Pediatric emergency care and when to use the emergency department

Children’s National lists 24/7 pediatric emergency care at the main hospital. Families should use the emergency department for urgent and potentially serious pediatric conditions.

Life-threatening condition
Call 911 immediately. This includes severe breathing trouble, blue lips, unconsciousness, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reaction, poisoning, or a seizure that does not stop.
Emergency department
Use emergency care when symptoms cannot safely wait for a pediatrician or scheduled appointment. Bring medications, allergies, medical devices, and recent discharge paperwork if available.
Primary care or urgent care
For minor symptoms, families may be able to use their child’s pediatrician or a local urgent care. When unsure, call a medical professional for guidance.
Portal limit
MyChildrensPortal is not for immediate assistance. Call the physician’s office directly, use emergency care, or call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.
Bring these if safe: current medications, allergy list, medical-device information, insurance card, photo ID, guardian paperwork, recent labs, imaging reports, discharge papers, and the name of the child’s pediatrician.

Pediatric specialties, institutes, and care centers

Children’s National organizes care through pediatric institutes, centers, departments, specialty clinics, inpatient services, and outpatient locations.

Care area Examples listed by Children’s National Family planning note
Emergency and hospital-based specialties Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Neonatology, Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary, Respiratory Care, Transport Medicine, and Hospitalist Medicine. Use emergency care for serious symptoms and confirm department location for planned diagnostics or inpatient follow-up.
Heart and lung care Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac ICU, Cardiac Anesthesiology, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and Prenatal Cardiology. Ask whether prior echocardiograms, EKGs, surgical notes, medications, or prenatal records are needed before the visit.
Neuroscience and behavioral medicine Neurology, Neurosurgery, Epilepsy, Headache, Concussion, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental Health, Neuropsychology, Hearing and Speech, and Movement Disorders. Bring school reports, therapy notes, medication history, imaging, seizure logs, and behavior observations when relevant.
Cancer and blood disorders Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Hematology, Brain Tumor Institute, Cancer Genetics, Leukemia Lymphoma, Sickle Cell Disease, Solid Tumor Program, and Sarcoma Clinic. Ask which outside pathology, imaging, lab reports, and treatment summaries must arrive before consultation.
Surgical care General Surgery, Burn Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Trauma Care, Urology, and Anesthesiology. Confirm fasting instructions, anesthesia plan, arrival time, school notes, medication holds, and post-procedure transportation.
Community pediatric health General and Community Pediatrics, Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Dentistry, Child and Adolescent Protection, and Mobile Health. Confirm whether your child needs primary care, specialty care, dental care, social support, or a different Children’s National location.
Rare disease care Rare Disease Institute, Cancer Genetics, Cardiogenetics, Down Syndrome Clinic, Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Leukodystrophy, and Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic. Complex cases often need outside records, genetic testing history, medication lists, school supports, and specialist summaries.

MyChildrensPortal access, uses, and safety limits

MyChildrensPortal helps caregivers manage selected health information and communicate with care teams, but it should not be used for urgent problems.

Portal tasks

  • Access medical records.
  • Schedule or review visits.
  • Request refills when available.
  • Message care teams for non-urgent questions.
  • View test results, visit summaries, medications, and appointment information.

How to join

Ask your care team for an invitation when calling to schedule, signing in at the desk, during an appointment, or at checkout. Claim the email invitation promptly because it expires for privacy protection.

Portal is partial record access

The portal can show important health information, but it is not always an all-inclusive medical record. Use the medical records request process when a complete copy is needed.

Urgent-care limit

For immediate assistance, call the physician’s office directly. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Medical records, portal records, and release requests

The Health Information Management department supports patient, family, provider, and third-party requests for medical records.

Record need Best route What to prepare
Basic visit information Check MyChildrensPortal first. Portal login, patient details, date of visit, and the specific summary or result you need.
Full medical record copy Use the online medical records request tool or call 202-476-5267. Patient name, date of birth, requester role, date range, record type, delivery method, and ID verification.
Parent or caregiver request Use the patient and family request process. Guardian information, legal authority if needed, patient information, and where records should be sent.
Provider request Use the provider request tool for medical continuity. Receiving provider details, fax or electronic destination, clinic name, and appointment date.
Third-party request Use the third-party requester process when appropriate. Authorization, request purpose, legal or insurance information, and payer details if fees apply.
Patient name change Follow the official name-change form process. Birth certificate, adoption decree, Social Security card, passport, state ID, court order, or official international ID when applicable.
Medical records phone hours: The records department lists Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal observed holidays. Call 202-476-5267 for records questions.

Insurance, billing, payment plans, and financial assistance

Children’s National provides information about accepted health plans, billing processes, payment options, payment plans, medical records, and financial assistance.

Insurance

Children’s National says it accepts Medicaid and most private health plans. Families should verify network status, referral needs, authorization rules, and coverage before care when possible.

Paying a bill

Families can pay hospital and physician bills by phone, by mail, or online through the secure payment portal. For online payment, the bill may ask for the child’s name, date of birth, and access code.

Billing phone help

Billing customer service is listed at 301-572-3542 and toll-free 1-800-787-0021. Phone help is listed Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

Financial assistance

If a family does not have health insurance, financial counselors may help with the process of applying for financial assistance and determining eligibility.

Billing call script: “I’m calling about a Children’s National bill. I have the statement, account or guarantor number, child’s date of birth, insurance information, and I need help understanding charges, payment options, or financial assistance.”

Parking, valet, drop-off, EV charging, and accessibility

Main campus parking can take extra time because Children’s National has posted garage improvements and traffic-flow updates.

Parking item Current detail Family note
Main garage Open 24 hours a day. Plan extra time because garage improvements may affect entry, exit, and traffic flow.
Short drop-off Non-emergency patient drop-off can use the ticket machine and patient drop-off route. The garage can be exited free if you leave within 30 minutes after pulling a ticket.
Valet parking Available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the parking garage. There is no additional valet charge, but regular parking rates apply.
Parking rates 0–45 minutes free with validation, 45 minutes–1 hour $4, 1–2 hours $8, 2–3 hours $12, over 3 hours $16, daily maximum $16. Validate your parking ticket at a listed welcome desk or parking office to receive the free first 45 minutes.
Long-term passes 7-day pass $50 and 30-day pass $120. Buy long-term passes at the Parking Office on the 1st floor, East Tower near the Emergency Department Welcome Desk.
Accessible parking Accessible spaces are listed on the P-1 parking level. A tan phone on P-1 can be used if a wheelchair or help getting into the hospital is needed.
EV charging EV charging stations are available for a fee. Patient-family fee is listed at $0.10 per kWh; follow current hospital and charging-app instructions.

Visitor rules, security screening, and inpatient family planning

Visitor policies may vary by unit, infection status, age of visitor, and patient location. Always confirm current rules with the care team.

Parents and guardians

Children’s National lists that parents and guardians can be with their child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, subject to care-area rules.

Other visitors

Other visitors are generally listed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, but hours may vary by unit and patient situation.

Visitor limits

Outpatient appointments and emergency department visits prefer no more than two people accompanying each patient. Inpatient bedside limits can differ for intensive care and other units.

Security screening

Main campus visitors should expect electronic security screening. Weapons, drugs, marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products are not permitted.

Do not visit while sick: Visitors with symptoms of infectious illness should not visit unless they are the parent or guardian and must come to the hospital to get care for the child. Confirm masking and exposure rules with the care team.

Map, directions, and main campus arrival checklist

Use the map for route planning and confirm exact department location before leaving, especially for imaging, procedures, surgery, emergency care, or specialty clinics.

Children’s National Hospital
111 Michigan Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20010
Appointments: 1-888-884-2327
Hospital Operator: 202-476-5000

Use this embedded map for directions only. For clinical emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Before leaving home

Confirm the exact building, floor, clinic name, arrival time, fasting instructions, and whether labs or imaging are planned.

Bring documents

Bring insurance card, guardian photo ID, referral forms, medication list, allergies, discharge papers, test results, and imaging reports.

Plan for parking

Allow extra time for the main campus garage, validation, valet location, elevators, security screening, and clinic check-in.

For inpatient stays

Ask the unit what caregivers may bring, overnight rules, visitor names, food options, school notes, and discharge-planning needs.

Official source checklist used for this guide

This article summarizes official Children’s National pages into a practical parent-and-caregiver navigation guide.

Official page What it helps verify When to open it
Main Hospital page Main address, appointment number, hospital location, patient portal route, and pediatric emergency-care availability. Open before driving to the main campus or confirming location details.
Contact page Hospital operator, admissions, billing, medical records, language services, family services, and Global Services numbers. Open when you need the correct department phone number.
Make an Appointment page Appointment routes and scheduling information needed before booking. Open when scheduling specialty care or a planned visit.
Patient Portal page Portal uses, invitation process, and emergency-use warning. Open when joining or using MyChildrensPortal.
Medical Records page Online records request process, medical records phone number, portal record limits, and requester types. Open when requesting records for school, insurance, another doctor, or personal records.
Insurance and Billing page Insurance, payment plans, financial assistance, and bill pay guidance. Open before paying a bill or checking financial assistance options.
Directions and Parking page Garage, valet, parking rates, validation, accessible parking, long-term passes, and EV charging details. Open before arriving at the main hospital campus.
Visiting Hours and Guidelines page Parent, guardian, visitor, screening, masking, bedside, and unit-specific visitor guidance. Open before an inpatient stay or hospital visit.
Independent guide notice: USHospitalGuides.com is not Children’s National Hospital, not an emergency service, not a medical provider, and not a government agency. Use official Children’s National links, your child’s care team, 911, or the nearest emergency department for final medical decisions.

Important medical safety notice

This page is for hospital navigation, contact information, appointment preparation, records, billing, parking, and visitor planning only.

Not medical advice: This guide does not diagnose, treat, or triage children. For emergency symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For non-emergency medical questions, contact your child’s physician or Children’s National care team.

Children’s National Hospital FAQs

These questions focus on the main hospital address, appointments, emergency care, portal access, records, billing, parking, visitor rules, and pediatric services.

1. What is the address for Children’s National Hospital?
The main hospital address is 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010. Use this for main campus directions, emergency department planning, inpatient visits, and specialty appointments.
2. What is the appointment phone number for Children’s National Hospital?
The appointment Bear Line is 1-888-884-BEAR, which is 1-888-884-2327. Use it for scheduling and appointment routing.
3. What is the main hospital operator number?
The hospital operator number is 202-476-5000. Use it for general routing, hospital information, and connecting with departments.
4. Does Children’s National Hospital have 24/7 pediatric emergency care?
Yes. The main hospital lists 24/7 pediatric emergency care. If a child is facing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
5. How do I schedule a specialty appointment?
Call 1-888-884-2327 or use the official appointment page. Prepare the reason for visit, insurance information, subscriber contact information, guardian contact information, and the child’s pediatrician name.
6. What is MyChildrensPortal used for?
MyChildrensPortal can help families access medical records, schedule visits, request refills, message care teams, view test results, review visit summaries, see medications, and manage selected health information.
7. How do I request medical records from Children’s National?
Use the official medical records request page or call 202-476-5267. Patients, parents of minor patients, authorized caregivers, healthcare providers, and certain third-party requesters may use the appropriate records process.
8. How do I pay a Children’s National Hospital bill?
Families can pay hospital and physician bills by phone, mail, or online through the secure payment portal. Billing customer service is listed at 301-572-3542 and toll-free 1-800-787-0021.
9. What should families know about parking?
The main campus garage is open 24 hours. Posted parking rates include 0–45 minutes free with validation, $4 for 45 minutes to 1 hour, $8 for 1–2 hours, $12 for 2–3 hours, and $16 for over 3 hours or the daily maximum.
10. What are the visitor rules at Children’s National Hospital?
Parents and guardians can be with their child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other visitors are generally listed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, but rules can vary by unit, patient condition, and current safety policy.