Pre-Registration
Before your child comes to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, someone from our staff will contact you to pre-register. Because you have been pre-registered, you will be able to check-in at the Same Day Surgery Unit on the day of service -- this includes both inpatient and outpatient services. During check-in, the Same Day Surgery staff will present you with a patient identification card for your child. Please keep the card and use it whenever your child receives care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Most insurance plans require that a patient be pre-certified (approved) before going to the hospital for procedures or surgery. As part of pre-registration, our staff will coordinate with your physician to meet the requirements of your insurance plan. If you have any questions regarding pre-certification, contact your insurance company or primary care physician.
Patient Benefits Services
phone -- 314.454.6081
Our Patient Benefits Services representatives are available to help you understand medical insurance plans and agency programs. They also can help you with applications to Medicaid, Special Health Care Needs programs and other agencies. Patient Benefits Services is located in Patient Registration on the first floor; hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Financial Information
The daily hospital rate includes general nursing care, meals, Child Life Services and hospital clothing. There are additional charges for the use of operating rooms, anesthesia, laboratory tests, X-rays, fluids, oxygen, blood, medications and other special equipment and supplies.
You may receive separate bills from your private physician or Washington University School of Medicine and its various departments if physician review or physician consultation occurred during your child’s care.
Pre-Admission Program
phone -- 314.454.2287, registration
Preparing your child for a hospital stay is important to help your child feel more comfortable about hospitalization. Studies have shown that children respond to treatment better and recover more rapidly when they are more familiar with their environment.
- Children are able to perform “medical play”
- Parents receive information on
- Their child’s medical care
- Visiting policies
- Accommodations
- Parking
- Other general information
- If your child is scheduled for surgery, you’ll visit our surgical waiting area and recovery to learn more about the surgery process.
- You’ll take a tour of the hospital
- There will be time for Q&A
Blood Donation
phone -- 314.454.6204
The local American Red Cross will provide blood required during your child’s care or treatment. For other blood donation options, talk with your physician. If you would like to donate blood to your child for use in a procedure, you must do this three working days before the procedure.
What to Bring
To assist your child in feeling more secure, feel free to bring a favorite toy, blanket or other item marked with your child’s name. For inpatient stays, you may bring videos or special pajamas from home for your child. The hospital furnishes a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap, as well as diapers and formula if necessary.
Please bring a list of your child’s medications with dosages and frequency. You can bring your medications with you for identification purposes. You will be asked to take them home after they have been identified. During your hospital stay, all medications will be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy. We recommend that you bring a small amount of money for beverages, snacks and meals, which are available in our cafeteria or vending machines. We discourage you from bringing valuables to the hospital.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers a special pre-admission program for children and their families twice a month on Sunday. This 90-minute program begins at 4 p.m. and is designed to familiarize children and parents with our hospital environment. During this session: