Designed for Children

Below you will find additional information about Children's Hospital Los Angeles and what makes us the highest quality and safest children's hospital in the nation that is designed with the care of children and families in mind.

Facts and Figures

By the numbers:

  • 391 active beds
  • 106 pediatric critical care beds (more than any other hospital in the western U.S.)

Annual statistics:

  • 17,081 inpatient admissions
  • More than half a million patient visits
  • 94,809 Emergency Department visits
  • 17,150 pediatric surgeries performed, including more complex surgical procedures than any other hospital in Southern California
  • 2,453 patients transported via helicopter, Learjet and ambulance—one of the largest emergency transport programs in the nation
  • 487 traumas treated

Awards and Accolades

In U.S. News & World Report's most recent rankings, we were ranked the No. 1 hospital for children in California, No. 1 on the West Coast and a top 10 pediatric hospital in the nation. In addition, our physicians are recognized for providing outstanding care in hundreds of pediatric specialties, including all 10 specialties of clinical expertise ranked on the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll:

Our world-class medical center is also proud to be:

  • Among the 3 percent of hospitals in the world with Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
  • Granted the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
  • Named by 16 payor networks a Center of Excellence for complex procedures and surgeries in blood and marrow transplantation, heart disease, and liver, kidney and small bowel transplantation
  • Among the top 10 children’s hospitals for National Institutes of Health funding

Patient Experience

In addition to the high level of clinical care we provide for patients, CHLA is recognized for their patient experience and family-centered care. Our hospital has received the Health Excellence Award from the National Research Corporation for three consecutive years based on overall inpatient care satisfaction and high scores from families for willingness to recommend.

Cultural and Diversity Services

We make it a priority to ensure that our culturally and linguistically diverse families can communicate effectively with their doctors, nurses and other medical staff. Our Language and Cultural Specialists are nationally certified medical interpreters who have received special training to delivery interpreting services in a healthcare environment, as well as training in knowledge and interpretation of medical terminology. These services are provided in more than 34 languages through a combination of in-house staff and contracted telephonic and on-site interpreters.

In addition to our interpreter services, CHLA recognizes the diversity of our patients and ensures the delivery of healthcare services that are respectful and compatible with patients and families’ cultural health beliefs. To meet the special needs of our international patients and families, CHLA also offers kosher and halal meal options upon request.

Spiritual Care Services

Our program offers support and comfort to patients, families and staff of all faiths, cultures and walks of life in times of crisis, loss, injury or illness. CHLA is also home to the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation Interfaith Center with four semi-private prayer and meditation spaces to serve all faiths including, but not limited to, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim and Hindu. A shaded outdoor reflection garden with soothing water features and symbolic art provides a healing space for our patients and families from diverse spiritual and religious backgrounds.

Security for Dignitaries

If your family requires a high level of security, CHLA’s experienced security team can support your family for the duration of your visit, from the moment you arrive at the airport through the entire time that your child receives care at our hospital.

Overnight and Extended Stays

Parents are welcome 24 hours a day. There are times during the day when parents may be asked to step out of the room or unit. Both parents or legal guardians or one family-designated caregiver may be in the patient's room before and after visiting hours, which are held from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Sleeping arrangements for one parent and a private bath are available in most rooms.

What to Expect

Before You Arrive

  • Our International Patient Services team serves as the primary point of contact for international families. As soon as you contact us, your family will be assigned to a case coordinator from our team who will be help connect you with services and manage your needs throughout your child’s treatment.
  • Our medical team will thoroughly review your child’s medical records to determine which specialists are best suited to care for your child and come up with a preliminary treatment plan.
  • Guided by the preliminary treatment plan, your case coordinator will contact your insurer, if any, to verify coverage, provide an estimate of the cost of treatment, secure payment, schedule your child’s appointments and issue a confirmation letter that you can submit with your visa application based on medical travel to the U.S.

During Your Hospital Stay

  • Your case coordinator will meet with your family to review your child’s treatment plan and appointment schedule. CHLA will provide information about local housing, restaurants, banks, grocery stores, and other retail and specialty shops.
  • If your child and other children need medical care during your stay, including routine immunizations or emergency care, our team is here to help.

After Your Hospital Stay

  • Prior to discharge, your case coordinator will make sure you have copies of all medical records and prescriptions, along with after-care instructions and a schedule of any follow-up appointments your child may have.
  • A financial specialist will be available to review and answer questions about your final bill.
  • The International Patient Services team will continue to work with you and your family when you return home, including communications with the health care provider who takes over your child’s care.

To obtain an appointment at CHLA for treatment or evaluation:

  • Intake Form and Medical Records - You will be asked to submit a patient intake form along with a complete package of your child’s medical records, including all relevant clinical information and diagnostic test results from the last six months. If not already, you must have the entire record translated into English.
  • Clinical Triage - Our medical team will conduct a comprehensive review of your child's medical records to determine if we can offer the care your child needs. If so, we will provide you with a preliminary treatment plan and a cost estimate for the anticipated services.
  • Financial Clearance - To secure an appointment with our physicians, you will be asked to make a monetary deposit for your child’s treatment. We accept wire transfers and credit cards via Flywire, as well as international medical insurance.
  • Scheduling an Appointment - Once we receive your deposit, our team will work with your family to schedule an appointment for evaluation or care. A Letter of Appointment will be issued to assist you in the visa application process for medical travel to the U.S.

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